Do I Really Need an Internship?
Article by: Nikisha Thompson
That depends on your career goals. For new graduates or career changers trying to get in on the ground floor of a high-profile company or exclusive industry, internships are irreplaceable. There is a high level of competition among applicants for these companies and internships give you a fighting chance.
There are paid and unpaid opportunities depending on the industry’s popularity and company budget. If an internship with a company you desire to work for is unpaid, do not rule it out automatically. Anyone who has reached a high level of success in their life (and lacks a trust fund) has put in a significant amount of work and sacrifice. If you plan on being successful you can pay your dues now or later. While you may not make any money during this time, you will gain invaluable experience. Another significant benefit is that you will make important contacts that can help you on your journey.
So before you go searching for an internship, think about where you want to be in the next 5 - 10 years. Not every career path has significant barriers to entry but many unique, interesting careers do. Consider an internship an extension of your education and training, rather than traditional employment. Whether paid or unpaid, you can leave the experience with valuable assets: hands-on job experience, numerous industry contacts, and a foot in the door of your dream career.
There are many advertised internships that can be found through simple online searches. The ALEC Project Job Board provides free access to internship listings in the state of Florida. There are also many excellent positions that are filled through word-of-mouth. To find these often unadvertised positions you must create a list of warm contacts.
The warm contact list is the list of people with whom you have some personal association. Your family, friends, neighbors, classmates, church or club members, and local merchants are all a part of this list. It is better if you contact them all so you can have many options in your internship search. When you talk to them, tell them that you are actively seeking opportunities.
So in conclusion, an internship is a necessary part of your training process if you are planning to enter a competitive career field. Search online job boards, visit company websites, and talk to your warm contact list to get started. Remember, an internship can only bring you closer to your dream career.