Email Print    |    Share

Student Advice Center » Turning an internship into a career - how to find the right one for you.

Turning an internship into a career - how to find the right one for you.

It’s no secret that internships can be a benefit for a college student looking to gain valuable experience. However, it can be common for a student to accept an internship just for the sake of saying that they’ve interned.

 

Instead, spend the time to find an internship that’s right for you. What makes one company better than another to spend a semester with? While a big-name company is attractive, it’s not always the best option. You want to find an internship at a company where you’ll actually be getting some hands-on experience in the industry – not just fetching coffee or filing.

 

Talk to people who have previously interned at the locations in which are you considering contacting. This is a great way to find out if an internship site is a good fit for you. Research the company before you try to schedule an interview. You want to be as knowledgeable as possible so you can show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the industry. Don’t overlook the research step.

 

Once you find an internship, ask to help in any way. Show that you want to learn. Go to meetings. Help out with projects – whether it’s for an executive or a mid-level employee. The more you show you want to learn, the more your time with the company will be appreciated.

 

Your internship is the time to make that first impression. Take advantage of the opportunity to get a glimpse of the company, the industry and a particular position which you may be interested in.

 

Don’t take an internship for the sake of taking one – find an internship that will help prepare you for life after college and one that has potential to turn into a full-time job later down the road. There are plenty of benefits that an internship can provide, but you can get more out of it by knowing how to search for the right one.