Summer internships are vital for college students. As a college student, the thought of spending summer doing an internship may not sound like much fun. However, the massive benefits of doing a summer internship makes it worth the compromise. Here’s a look at the importance of summer internships for college students.
Gives You Hands-On Experience in Your Field
You’ve spent months in the classroom studying from text books and answering exams. You think you know everything there is to know about your field. But do you really?
Text books can only do so much. They only help you understand the theory behind a field. You’ll be surprised at how different real world applications can be from academic environments. In practice, every career has its own unique set of challenges that doesn’t come across in a classroom setting.
Let’s say you are studying nursing. You’ve read the curriculum text books. You’ve taken the classes. But real life is another thing entirely. An internship will help you get a close up view of the profession. This real world experience can be crucial in helping you make the right long-term career choices.
Boosts Your Employability
Do you know what is the biggest challenge new graduates face when they start looking for jobs? They find themselves in a Catch-22 situation. Employers prefer to hire employees who have some experience but how do you get this experience if nobody gives you the opportunity?
This is where summer internships provide the greatest value. You’ll have something to write in the ‘work experience’ section of your resume instead of leaving it blank. Yes, internship experience is much better than having absolutely no experience at all. Hiring an employee who has had some training saves employers time and money on training.
Widens Your Network Within Your Prospective Field
During your internship, you’ll be working with more experienced professionals in your field. This is your big opportunity to form valuable connections with others who can help you after you graduate. Work hard and prove your potential during your internship stint and it won’t go unrecognized. Experienced professionals are always more than willing to lend a helping hand to deserving newcomers in the field. Networking is a powerful tool when it comes to careers.
It’s An Opportunity to Get Professional Feedback
You may know your text books cover to cover and ace all your exams. But how good are you at putting that knowledge to practice? Can you think on your feet and find solutions to problems as and when they happen? How are your communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills? What about your team-working skills? During your internship, your mentors and supervisors will be watching you closely. Their feedback can be invaluable to your success when you enter the workforce after you graduate.
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