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Student Advice Center » Sorting Through A Sea Of Internships.

Sorting Through A Sea Of Internships.

How to find one that will provide valuable experience.

 

Students looking for internships may feel overwhelmed due to a seemingly endless selection of opportunities. Well, on the positive side, there is a way to limit your options (in a good way) because there are typically handfuls of positions which you will want to stay away from. Some companies offer internships that provide zero value and/or meaningful experience. There is no point in taking an internship that won’t help you advance toward a career.

How can you avoid one of these internships? Follow these simple rules in order to ensure you find one that’s right for you and one that is worth your time.

 

Ask a lot of questions.

Do not feel like you’re bothering a potential employer by wanting to find out as much as you can about the company and the position. Just like they’d ask you many questions about your school and work background, you have a right to ask all you want about a position you might end up accepting. Ask what duties you’ll be required to do. Ask if you’ll be able to attend meetings and conferences with executives, managers and other employees. Ask if you’ll be more than a coffee fetcher. You have the right to know. Plus, asking questions shows you are truly interested in a position with the company and will impress the person(s) interviewing you.

 

Don’t get too picky.

Avoiding an internship with no real value is one thing. Hoping for only the best internship out there is another. For example, don’t limit your search by ruling out any company that isn’t well known; i.e., one which doesn’t have a recognizable brand name. An internship is more about the experience you gain rather than just saying you worked for X company no matter how impressive it may sound. A prospective employer will be more appreciative of the fact that you assisted on a big project at some no-name company rather than the fact that you filed papers for IBM. You want any valuable experience you can get your hands on, so don’t pass up on a position that is available to you if you know that company can put you on track for a career.

For more advice on finding the right internship for you, contact a USAIntern.com representative today.