Getting In The Door: What Is In An Internship Anyways?

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” In stating this, Robert Louis Stevenson, truly understood the power of what you put out even when it seems that you’ll receive nothing in return. When we think of internships and the constant stress they seemingly place college students under, it is easy to apply Robert’s wise words. Often times, internships are for nothing more than the experience, placing students at a crossroad. Speaking as a current student with six internship experiences, I understand firsthand that sometimes it is difficult to decide if an internship is for you or not. As students, often you are not working in order to accept an internship that likely is not paying. Or, in some cases, you may be working an unpaid internship at the same time as a part-time job, all while pursuing a full-time education. The question I often here from my peers is simply, Is it worth it? Another question that commonly comes to mind would be What is in it for me?

To answer these two questions, first and foremost -yes! It is absolutely worth it. I think it is important for students to know at the start of their academia, that internships truly make the difference. Although you may be in pursuit of a degree, the degree alone, as expensive as it may be, it just not enough. The degree speaks to your knowledge of a set field; however, it does not provide you with the learning opportunities and the experience that employers seek. Having internship experience can likely be the one thing that sets you apart from other applicants because it shows the employer you have what it takes because you have already taken the initiative to gain experience as a student.

As for the second question, realistically, it is hard to see yourself accepting a job that is not paying you but that is just it, an internship is not a job. Internships often are not paid or pay relatively low because they are not required to assure the same comforts and provisions a full-time, contractual position might. Ultimately, employers know that students need to gain experience and they are willing to take a chance by providing such. Although many internships do not provide a financial benefit, they offer much more. In all honesty, some of my best internship experiences are those that were unpaid. Not to mention, the name behind the places I have interned without compensation, hold far more weight than that of those who did pay me. One key benefit of unpaid or low-paying internships is that you can likely gain credits for them through your institution. So not only do you get experience but you are afforded the opportunity to get a grade for applicable, real-world experience. The biggest benefit in my opinion, would be the people you meet. If you show up everyday willing and ready to work, employers will notice this. They will be more willing to help you when it comes to finding a job or even to hire you at the end of the internship.

Never discredit the power of interning and networking. Internships, however, are not for everyone and it is important to know what is for you.