Many times, when students walk out of the school doors, there is a gap between them and the real world. The idea that I am still a student, but must now find my place as an adult, is often a difficult and confusing concept to grasp. One of the greatest bridges to help guide you along this journey is an internship.
An internship is a short-term, supervised work experience that allows you to learn far beyond what a classroom offers, teaching you skills like professional communication, project management and how to turn what you learned in a textbook into real life.
Over the past year, I have had two internships: one at a bank and the other at a wealth management facility. Both have fostered growth and connection to the business world, providing insights not only on what I wanted to do, but just as importantly, what I did not want to do.
The Benefits of an Internship
Just like DECA, an internship provides benefits that go far beyond the technical information you learn.
- Meaningful Networking: An internship allows you to build genuine professional relationships that can last a lifetime.
- A Competitive Edge: From the hiring team’s perspective, an internship gives you an advantage over candidates who lack hands-on experience.
- A Foot in the Door: Many internships can lead to long-term positions and growth within a company. In fact, research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that individuals with internship experience achieve a 9.5% better-than-expected career progress rate, compared to just 6.7% for non-interns.
How to Secure an Internship
Though finding an internship may sound a little terrifying, so many employers are excited to see our generation eager to get involved in their industries. You don't need a massive resume to get started. Here are two simple ways to begin:
- Build Your LinkedIn Profile: Create a profile that is both credible and a true reflection of who you are. This alone will allow you to attract the attention of professionals without even leaving your room!
- Utilize Your School Network: Reach out to your DECA advisor and your school counselor. Your chapter or school may already have local business partners or alums who are actively looking to fill internship positions.
