Why are you looking for still looking for internships?
This is something people have asked me when I tell them about my job search. It’s a valid question, but if you’re like me, you can sometimes feel like you’re flailing and at the mercy of a wind called ‘adult life’. Not everyone has the luxury of knowing what they want to do right after college. It may take some trial and error to figure it out. If we’re being real, even people who look like they have it figured out actually might be as clueless as you are. And thats okay! That is what internships are for! They help you learn about yourself and how you are in a professional setting.
Over the course of my college and post-grad career, I have completed 7 internships. Each role had their own takeaways, but ultimately they are what you make of them. Here are five reasons you should still consider internships after graduating:
Clear time commitment
Usually, there is a clear time frame set in place on how long you’ll be with the company. This gives you a clear idea on when you can start looking for new opportunities (outside or within) your company. If a specific end date hasn’t been specified — ask! I know its awkward, but take it from me, you don’t want to just start your job search when your internship is already over. It’s not a fun place to be in.
Exposure to different industries & departments
This one depends on the size and culture of your company. If you intern for a smaller company, you’ll probably get to know everyone. If you intern for a larger company, you might have to go out of your way to make those connections. It might be nerve-wracking, but I urge you to go for it. Ask to shadow a hire up or get coffee with them. People love talking about themselves and will admire your eagerness to get ahead and make connections.
Job Experience
As with any job, you gain some experience and hopefully some new skills along the way. Having new material for your resume is always a good move. It’s also important to have anecdotes to refer to in future interviews.
Networking
This is similar to getting to know people in different departments, except hopefully you are using your current job connections to make connections elsewhere. Depending on the environment of your internship, sometimes there is an opportunity to ask for job referrals. Your supervisor might know some people who are hiring. This can be especially helpful if the company you intern for isn’t hiring full-time positions.
Workplace Preference
This one is key. We have been in school for most of our lives, it’s very unlikely you have a gage on what you like (and don’t) like in a work environment. Do you like to work remotely? Or at headquarters? Do you want a cubicle? Or open-plan office? Things like these are important to make note of. Although you don’t have much control over who your next boss is, figuring out what management style works best with you is also a good idea.