Internships

Students make the most of their college experience by participating in other activities that bolster their resume beyond their degree, such as studying abroad. Another activity a student can take up that drastically increases their chances of landing their ideal career is an internship.

An internship sets a student for going above and beyond their degree to meet an employer's expectations. Internships let students earn college credits while attending school and simultaneously earn work experience in their relevant field.

Potential employees on the job market often find themselves facing the Catch 22: every job requires two years of experience, but nobody is willing to hire for those two years of experience. Let the internship resolve this problem for you!

Finding the Ideal Internship

One of the best ways to locate an internship is by visiting your campus career center. This is more difficult if you are attending an online school, although if you call your university, a representative will be glad to answer any questions.

Another method of looking for an internship is through the Internet. This is the more ideal alternative for the online student that is already acclimated to doing everything on the computer. Intern Jobs focuses exclusively on the internship hunt.

Will an Internship Include a Paycheck?

Some internships pay; some don't. This is something that you need to discuss with the prospective company taking you on as an intern before signing your paperwork. Typically, if the internship earns you college units, it will be unpaid, and if the internship is not being applied towards college credits, it will offer marginal compensation.

Even if you find a paid internship, do not expect to make a living off of it. Remember an internship is more of an educational experience building to a career than a career itself; it is very similar to an apprenticeship.

Internships sometimes, however, build into stable, full-time positions at the company taking you on as an intern. (After all, you come with training on hire!)

Note that internships are not right for everyone. Before taking on your internship, make sure you have the spare time allocated in your schedule. Treat it like a part-time job. If your internship is hindering your grades and impeding your education, it is not the wisest choice for you. Many interns do not start their internship endeavors until after graduating college.