A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO SECURING THE IDEAL INTERNSHIP

As a fresher or a young graduate, stepping into the job market can be overwhelming, especially if you lack professional experience. You could have theoretical knowledge, but you might be concerned about how you can demonstrate your ability to apply it in a real-world setting. And what better way to bridge this gap than through an INTERNSHIP?

But first…

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

An internship is a temporary position or short-term opportunity offered by companies and organizations to students or fresh graduates. Its primary purpose is to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

As an intern, you will work alongside a designated team and learn from experienced professionals while exploring various facets of the job. Typically, you will focus on smaller tasks that contribute to the team’s overarching projects, supporting senior colleagues in achieving their strategic objectives and expanding your industry expertise.

ARE INTERNSHIPS WORTH IT?

Absolutely. Internships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience that employers value, positioning you for a successful transition into the workforce. Here’s how…

1. Enhancing Your Resume: The real-world experience you gain enriches your resume and demonstrates your ability to apply classroom learning to practical scenarios.
2. Networking Opportunities: Internships expose you to professionals in your field, boosting your ability to build valuable connections that can lead to mentorship, recommendations, and potential job opportunities in the future.
3. Potential for Full-Time Employment: Many companies use internships as a pipeline for hiring full-time employees. Perform well and you could receive a permanent job offer from the Company.
4. Skill Development: You get to develop and refine essential skills specific to your industry, such as technical skills, project management, teamwork, and communication skills.
5. Explore career paths: Internships are an opportunity to “Test fit” or “Test drive” various career paths. Before committing to a specific career, you can assess whether a particular field, role, or job and its associated responsibilities align with your interests. If not, you have the flexibility to explore different paths.
6. Personal Growth: You learn to adapt to professional settings, improve your problem-solving abilities, and develop a sense of responsibility and independence. And to top it all – you get that much-needed confidence boost in the bargain.

Now that we have understood the value of internships, let’s delve into what to keep in mind when applying for an internship role.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN APPLYING FOR AN INTERNSHIP.

1. Identifying your goals and preferences.

Applying for internships without a clear direction can be ineffective. Start by defining your career goals and preferences to focus on opportunities that match your aspirations. For example, as a Computer Science graduate, consider whether you’re interested in software development, data science, web development, IT support, or another specialization. If you’re certain about your career path, pursue relevant internship opportunities confidently. If unsure, it’s time for some self-introspection, and seeking guidance from an experienced career counsellor could be an option for gaining valuable insights and clarity.

2. The Early Bird catches the worm:

In other words, Start your search early. This is especially crucial for final-year students required to complete an internship in their last semester. The earlier you start, the more likely you’ll find an internship that aligns with your needs. Otherwise, you might have to settle for any available opportunity. Starting early provides ample time to research companies thoroughly and expand your options. Begin at least three months in advance to ensure you have enough time and avoid feeling pressured, even if you face rejections.

3. Research, Research, Research:

Go all out to research companies or organizations you are interested in. Identify whether the Company meets your criteria. Here’s what to consider.

1. Role Details:Review the specific internship role you’re interested in. Examine the responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Do you meet these criteria?
2. Compensation:Consider whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Weigh the value of the experience against financial compensation. If unpaid, check if the company offers other benefits – networking opportunities, mentorship, or travel stipends.
3. Company Culture, Values, and Reputation:Investigate the company culture, values, and work environment. Do they align with your personal values and preferred work style? Finding the right fit will spark enthusiasm and drive progress.
4. Company Size:Assess the company’s size and growth prospects. Maybe you prefer smaller companies that provide more hands-on experience and personal attention.
5. Learning Opportunities:Determine what you will learn during the internship. Will it enhance your skill set? Are there opportunities to work on real projects and collaborate with experienced teams?
6. Type of Internship and feasibility:Consider whether the internship is full-time, part-time, or virtual. Full-time internships often provide more immersive experiences, part-time internships offer flexibility to manage other commitments, and virtual internships allow you to work remotely, requiring strong self-discipline and time management skills.

Conducting thorough research ensures you choose an internship that provides quality learning, supports your career growth, and promises a rewarding experience.

How to conduct Company Research when seeking internship opportunities:

Here, we will touch on three easily accessible methods:

1. Company Websites:Check company websites to understand their background, culture, values, and work environment. Many companies also have a “Careers” or “Jobs” page that indicates whether internship opportunities are available and the requirements.
2. Social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram):Explore the social media handles of companies you are interested in or those advertising for interns. This can give you a glimpse into their latest projects and initiatives, company culture, activities, employee experiences, and industry reputation.
3. LinkedIn and Professional Networks:Explore company profiles on LinkedIn, Quora etc for company updates, industry involvement, job postings and hiring trends.

3.1   Go one step further and monitor the professional networks of the company’s employees to gain valuable insights.

• Employee Career Paths:Understanding where employees come from and where they move on to after working at the company can help you gauge the company’s role in professional development.
• Industry Connections:The professionals that the employees are connected with can give you a sense of the company’s reach and influence within the industry.
• Company Culture:Employee endorsements and shared content can offer clues about the company’s work environment, values, and internal culture.
• Skill Sets:Profiles of current employees can help you identify the skills and qualifications valued by the company, which can guide your preparation.

Utilizing these research methods, you can gather comprehensive company information and make well-informed decisions when applying for internships.

MORE TIPS TO LAND YOUR DREAM INTERNSHIP

Successfully obtaining an internship that aligns with your aspirations hinges on effectively communicating your value and standing out among other applicants.

• A well-crafted, tailored resume and cover letter are essential for capturing recruiters’ attention.
• Once selected for an interview, thorough preparation is crucial—be ready to confidently articulate how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs and what unique contributions you can offer. Remember, internships are a two-way opportunity: you learn from the company while also bringing fresh perspectives and skills.
• Improving your communication skills through resources like YouTube videos and online courses can significantly bolster your candidacy.
• Networking with professionals in your field and participating in networking events whenever the opportunity arises can open doors to internship opportunities and insider information about upcoming vacancies.
• Showcase your work through a portfolio, whether it’s a personal website, GitHub repository, or a collection of projects. This gives potential employers a tangible way to see your skills in action.
• Join Professional Organizationsrelated to your field, such as industry associations, student societies, or specialized interest groups to gain access to exclusive internship postings and resources for professional development.

Remember: The internship search can be competitive and challenging. Stay persistent, refine your approach, and learn from each experience. Whenever you need guidance, face obstacles, or require constructive feedback, count on Elysian – your trusted career partner – to steer you toward your perfect opportunity. Here’s wishing you the best of luck in your pursuit!