As a college student, you’re probably looking for an internship that will help you develop real-world skills and build your resume.
You want to gain exposure to different industries and companies, but also know that you’ll be working on meaningful projects.
And of course, you want to have fun!
Well, we can help you with all of that. We’re looking for interns who are excited to learn new things while they work on important tasks. You’ll work closely with our team members to gain the experience you need to succeed in your career.
And yes, we like to have fun too!
Internship For College Student
Before entering the workforce as a full-time employee, college students might consider gaining valuable work experience in the form of an internship. Oftentimes, internships are a requirement to complete degree requirements.
Choosing the right internship can set you up for success by providing opportunities that benefit your professional position in the workforce. In this article, we outline why internships are important for college students, how to choose the right internship for you and tips for benefiting from an internship in college.
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Why is an internship important for a college student?
An internship is a position provided by a company that allows working professionals or students to gain valuable work experience in a variety of different industries. Internships are a great way to sharpen your skills and broaden your knowledge in a particular field. Many students are required to have an internship during their collegiate careers. While there are many opportunities available, it’s imperative you select the right internship for you.
How to choose an internship
There are numerous opportunities available for college students seeking valuable experience through an internship. Despite the various industries students can find themselves in, the process of choosing an internship comes down to several factors. Consider these steps when selecting an internship:
1. Make sure it matches your interests and field of study
Knowing the career you plan to pursue can be highly beneficial in your internship selection. More often than not, you’ll already know what career path interests you. Make sure the internships you’re deciding between align with your passions and career goals. Is it a set of skills or specialized experience within a particular job sector? Knowing this ensures you’ll be able to take the experience gained from the internship and apply it to your future profession.
Employers like to know that job candidates not only have the required education for their job openings but ample experience as well. Oftentimes the only work experience entry-level job seekers will have is in the form of an internship. Make sure to choose one that complements your field of study and meets your overall objective. Ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I want this internship?
- What skills do I want to learn?
- Will this help me in my career advancement?
- Do I need to meet specific degree requirements?
- How much time do I want to devote to working at my internship?
- Do I want to work locally or travel somewhere else?
- What responsibilities will I have?
2. Verify your degree requirements
Many colleges require students to complete an internship commensurate with their field of study. Also, they might require you to have a certain GPA before starting an internship. Following these guidelines determines whether or not you receive your degree. Make sure to check with your college counselor before selecting an internship so you can verify you’ll be receiving the proper credit to graduate.
3. Consider your stipend (if applicable)
Internships are usually unpaid, paid or offer some form of college credit. Make sure you understand the stipulations of each position you’re considering. If you’re moving to a new city for the internship and need a steady cash flow, a paid internship might be a better option. For example, will you need financial assistance if you need to move to a big city for an unpaid internship? Remember that future employers care more about the experience you gleaned rather than the money you received during your internships.
4. Consider the hours
If you’re interested in an internship during the school year, it’s important to take into consideration the hours you are expected to work. For example, if a company requires you to work in the mornings but you have a class at 8 a.m., this internship opportunity might not be suitable for you. Makes sure your academic schedule allows the adequate time you’d need to pursue an internship. If you are doing a summer internship, verify whether or not you’d be working part- or full-time. This might become a determining factor for you in choosing an internship based on your summer plans.
5. Get to know the company
Students should not only have an opportunity to gain work experience, but they should also enjoy their place of employment as well. Considering which companies may offer an internship you might enjoy is an important step in choosing the right one for you. Companies fall into the following categories:
- Private sector: Opportunities within this sector are run by individuals and companies rather than the local, state or federal government. Most companies in the private sector hope to glean a profit.
- Public sector: The public sector is made up of organizations owned and run by the government.
- Nonprofit: Nonprofits are guided by their mission to support social organizations. They aim to provide public benefit and exist for the sole purpose of helping others.
Understanding each of these is key in determining where you’d like to intern. Ideally, the type of company where you would intern will fall under the same umbrella as your future employers.
6. Consider the location
Knowing the location of your potential internship is a common determining factor. If you plan on interning during the school year, it would behoove you to find an internship near your campus. This can help you avoid the potential stress of a commute.
On the other hand, if you’re hoping to land a summer internship, you might prefer a change of scenery. Interning in a different city will allow you to get a sense of the city’s culture, but it can also help in your networking endeavors should future employment opportunities in the same city arise.
Tips for benefiting from an internship
Because a lot of internships are tailored toward your specific industry, it’s important to make sure you’re gaining valuable experience. Here are some tips to ensure you’ll get the most out of your internship:
- Know what’s expected of you.
- Observe company culture.
- Stay focused.
- Be professional.
- Ask for feedback.
- Ask insightful questions.
- Learn from your colleagues.
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List of internships
Once you narrow down your field of study and other deciding factors, you can begin your internship search. Here are five examples of internships to consider depending on your respective industry:
1. Graphic design intern
National average salary: $12.61 per hour
Primary duties: Graphic design interns are responsible for assisting graphic designers with various print and web-related design tasks. This can include working on print ads, web graphics or client logos.
2. Marketing intern
National average salary: $12.77 per hour
Primary duties: Marketing interns assist marketing professionals by researching trends and market analysis, preparing detailed company proposals and assisting with various administrative tasks. Interns in this field develop their marketing skills under the supervision of the marketing manager.
3. Finance intern
National average salary: $13.91 per hour
Primary duties: Finance interns are tasked with analyzing reports, taking notes, handling data and assisting other coworkers. As a finance intern, they will gain first-hand experience in the world of finance.
4. Accounting intern
National average salary: $14.33 per hour
Primary duties: Accounting interns assist with inputting data, research, filing and other tasks that assist fellow accountants. They’re also responsible for making sure financial records are accurate and prepare various financial reports.
5. Software engineer intern
National average salary: $18.99 per hour
Primary duties: Software engineering interns assist in testing software applications. They also perform related research and develop new ideas as they grow their software testing skills.
Though there are many internship opportunities available to college students, knowing what you want to get out of the experience is the main determinant in selecting the right one for you. The understanding of your wants, needs and expectations can lay a great foundation for making sure you get the most out of the training.
