Internship Resources

Internships are not only for high school and university students. An internship is a great way to test out a potential career field that interests you, get a feel for what it's like to be in the working world and build your skills and knowledge to become a better candidate for a future job.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for an internship:

What are the benefits of an internship? Getting work experience outside the classroom is a great way to apply knowledge from your studies to the real world. Learning what a desired career is like day-to-day will help you determine if it is the right fit for you, as well as give you a deeper understanding of the field. One of the most important parts of an internship is the people you will meet. Networking within the company can give you lifelong contacts for professional references, the opportunity to be hired full time or a career mentor.

What kinds of internships are available? There are many different types of internships offered by employers, depending on what kind of experience you are looking for. Internships can be paid, used for university credit or simply enjoyed for the experience. Consider if you want to work for a nonprofit, a for-profit, a government organization or a company with offices abroad, depending on what career you are striving for.

How do I find an internship? There are many resources available to find internships, including your school's career center, academic advisers, online resources, networking and other internship programs. Going to job portal sites is a great start, but you can also try going directly to the source. If there is a company you have dreamed of working for, check its website for job postings aimed specifically at students.

When you land the internship of your dreams, make the most of it. Find a way to make an impact and a memorable contribution to the organization. While you are making new business connections on the job, don't forget to keep those professional relationships alive once you leave, by keeping in touch. The contacts you make at your internship could open doors in the future.