If an internship is not a requirement for you to graduate, you may be wondering if taking one is worthwhile. In fact, there are several compelling reasons why dedicating at least one of your summers to an internship is beneficial — here are a few to consider.
1. Find Out What a Particular Career Is Like
If you’re unsure about what kind of work you want to pursue after you graduate, an internship may be ideal for exploring your options. You’ll find out if a particular position is right for you or if you would prefer something different. What you discover at your internship could lead you to change your major or set your mind at ease that you’re on the right path.
2. Gain Skills and Experience
There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom. An internship allows you to put your knowledge into practice and to further develop your skills. It also gives you experience in a real-world setting, which is impossible to find anywhere outside of working in your industry. Even if you end up going in a different direction after you graduate, you’ll learn skills that will be useful for other positions, such as teamwork, communication, and time management.
3. Improve Your Career Prospects
Hiring managers prefer candidates with experience over recent grads who only have the right credentials. For this reason, not only are you more likely to land a position after you graduate if you’ve had an internship, you may also receive a higher starting salary.
4. Line Up a Job After Graduation
An internship may even mean you avoid needing to search for jobs after you graduate — if the company is impressed with your performance, you may receive a job offer at the end of your internship. It’s common for companies to use internships as a way to try out potential candidates before making a job offer.
5. Develop Valuable Connections
If you don’t receive a job offer or you decide you’d prefer to work at a different company, an internship will still improve your chances of finding a job by introducing you to professionals in the field. These people may let you know about opportunities in the future or become your mentors.
6. Boost Your Confidence
When you’re hired as an intern, the company is aware that you’re still learning. You’ll receive plenty of guidance, have the chance to ask questions, and be able to make mistakes without facing severe consequences — in fact, your employer will expect you to make some mistakes. The experience you’ll gain will boost your confidence when you start a permanent position.
7. Earn Money Over the Summer
Paid internships are a great alternative to a job over the summer. Even if you earn slightly less than you could at an unskilled seasonal job, it may be worth choosing an internship due to all the other benefits.
Bear in mind that you’ll need somewhere to live during your summer internship. Since the dorms on campus will be closed, you’ll need to look for alternative student housing. St. Catharines has Foundry Lofts. As well as being close to campus, you’ll have easy access to public transportation. After a long day at your internship, you can hang out with friends in the games room, enjoy some entertainment in the movie theater, or head to one of the nearby local restaurants. Apply now for your lease.