Benefits/advantages of completing an internship

Explore career fields
While many students wait until their junior or senior year to complete an internship, completing an internship while you are still undecided allows you to explore career paths before you commit to a major. Juniors and seniors can use an internship to experience the variety of specialties within their chosen field and determine the best fit for individual skills, abilities, and interests.

Gain work experience
Employers frequently cite the work experience gained by internships as important in their hiring decisions for college graduates. An internship is a great way to gain experience in your career field and can help to put you ahead of other candidates in the job search.

Learn valuable job search skills
The process for finding an internship is, in many cases, identical to finding full-time employment. Finding job openings, contacting employers, developing your resume and cover letter, interviewing, and evaluating offers are all skills that you will practice during your internship search.

Build a network of individuals in your field
An internship will put you in contact with professionals in your field of interest - a perfect networking opportunity.  

Observe and develop skills required to succeed in any workplace
Employers frequently mention new graduates’ lack of “professionalism” in the workplace. The best way to learn how to fit into the professional workplace is through practice. An internship is your orientation to the world of work! 

May even get a job offer!
Employers like to hire interns into full-time positions after graduation. During an internship, employers are able to observe your daily behavior, work ethic, and ability to fit in with their organization. Think of an internship as an extended interview.

Next topic