The Importance of Internships During College: Preparing for the Workforce

Having four older brothers who navigated college before me gave me the invaluable opportunity to learn from their mistakes and successes, sparing me the challenges of entering college without any prior guidance. So, for those without older siblings, take this blog as advice! While your grades in your classes and joining extracurriculars are important, internships during college are essential. It allows you to have a sneak-peak into the professional workforce and allows you to discern the type of industry and company culture you would want to be involved with in the future.

Each summer of my college career I have interned with a professional company to broaden my understanding of what marketing is, as well as learn about different industries that are out there. If you can, I would suggest searching for internships even as a freshman. Many companies look for older individuals but the more experience you can gain the better. Here’s my advice about internships, and the benefits that prepare you for a successful career.

1. Take Every Opportunity Possible

While most people have some sort of idea of what company they would like to work for, you may not be able to make that happen right out of college… or at the end of the day it may not be what you love to do. I interned with a construction company as a marketing intern and learned a whole new industry that most marketing students overlook as a good opportunity. While it may not have been a prestigious marketing firm, I loved the people I worked with, and I gained professional confidence that my peers had not yet gained.

2. Think About the Future Benefits Instead of the Pay

Anyone can babysit or nanny and make loads of money, but sometimes that's just the easy way out. Yes, the money is nice, and it is hard to pass that up, but an internship not only prepares you immensely for the future, they also usually pay. From my point of view, internships give me a better understanding of marketing than college classes have. You meet numerous great contacts, and you push yourself out of your comfort zone, which makes you grow as a person. I know summers in college have the focus of making as much money as possible, but the benefits of internships outway the untaxed babysitting for example.

3. Gained Real-World Experience

Internships provide invaluable real-world experience that classroom learning alone cannot offer. They allow students to work within a company to gain confidence in skills learned within schools that are applied within the business world. This experience helps students understand workplace culture, professionalism, different industries, and specific skills necessary to success after college.

4. Networking Opportunities

The best part of an internship is meeting a whole new group of professional individuals who are excited to help you through your career journey. Growing your network is a must for getting a job after college. I am currently on the job search and having a group of adults with established careers behind me helps immensely. Learning to speak to adults in a professional setting is a skill that is easily gained but can be very intimidating. Being confident in yourself, polite, and professional are the keys to gaining the respect of the higher-ups in companies. Networking during internships lays the groundwork for lasting professional relationships.

5. Understanding Workplace Dynamics

Internships allow you to be welcomed into a workplace that provides numerous new learning curves and opportunities that are not available during college courses. Meeting coworkers and becoming involved within the company are the best parts of internships. Having the chance to learn how to act within a professional workplace before you graduate college is the best chance to discern what you want your future to look like. Workplace culture is a big aspect of how happy you will be in a company. Internships allow you a “trial run” with a company that you should attempt to make the most of everyday possible! Ask questions often, listen to every bit of advice that people offer, and always have a hard working and determined attitude.

6. Gaining Confidence

Finally, internships help build confidence! By being given real work that is important to the company, it allows you to feel the pressure of the company while still having the guidance of your internship boss. You will have the chance to complete projects, overcome challenges, and receive feedback from supervisors. The entire process of working hard to please your supervisors with your work the first time you show them is a confidence boost and the best feeling. Working in a professional setting grows your confidence speaking to older, wiser individuals, as well as believing in yourself to tackle challenges that will come your way in the future.

My internships have been crucial for my professional confidence, network, and expectations for my future! I hope you all have the opportunity to push yourself out of the box and jump into internships with excitement and drive!