Why get an internship?

 You hear a lot about the importance of getting an internship in college. While it’s totally up to you if you look for an internship while you’re in school, we think it’s a great way to gain experience, learn about your future industry and make meaningful connections. If you need more convincing, check out the top five benefits of getting an internship below.

More experience, please

An internship in your field of study is a surefire way to graduate with something in the previous experience section of your resume (check out these additional ways to gain experience). Internships show that you’re committed to learning and are interested in learning as much as you can about your future career. They also signal to hiring managers that you’ll be able to hit the ground running post-graduation.

Testing, 1, 2, 3

As an intern you might feel like you’re being tested for a job, but remember that you’re test-driving the company, too. This is your chance to see what working in your industry of choice is like, so make note of everything, from office culture to industry standards. Pay attention to the roles employees have and which positions you’d like to have once you graduate and beyond.

Get connected

While you may be the lowest on the totem pole, interns are often invited to sit in on big meetings or shadow an executive. Take advantage of the opportunity — ask lots of questions and share your ideas if the opportunity presents itself. Now is your chance to rub elbows and make an impression — make sure it’s a good one. This includes staying connected after you leave the internship. 

Learn, learn, learn

You’re there to learn and grow so be sure to make time for absorbing everything the company is teaching. Take every opportunity to learn from the people around you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out what people like most about working there, their favorite projects and more. Here are a few questions to get you started.

You’re hired

Many companies love hiring from their intern pool. They already know you can do the work required and that you fit with the office culture. Of course, not all companies are in a position to hire, but you can always ask (here are some tips on how to position yourself to be hired). If you aren’t hired on full time, ask for connections in the industry you could meet with or a letter of recommendation from your supervisor.