Internships can be a great first step into your chosen career. An internship is different from a job, it is a fixed-term position through which you gain experience in a role. An internship can help you gain valuable career skills and knowledge. If you’re considering an internship, here are some tips that could help you.
Prepare for your internship
When you’re looking for internships, ask yourself:
- will it help me develop skills that will be useful in my future career
- is it at the right level for me – for example, is it a summer placement for students or a gradate scheme
- does the company have a good reputation
- will it help me to improve CV
- is there a chance of a job at the end
- If you can not answer yes to at least a couple of these questions, the internship might not be right for you
Make the most of your internship
Follow our 4 tips to make sure you get the best experience out of your internship.
1. Be professional
Treat your internship like any other job. This will help you to make a good impression with your colleagues.
2. Take the initiative
There’s a lot to learn so take any opportunity you can find. Look for ways to get involved and help out.
3. Make yourself indispensable
Try to develop a role for which involves regular tasks and fills gaps in the business. This can help you to gain a long-term position after your internship.
4. Listen out
Pay attention to conversations about vacancies or any other opportunities that could help you advance your career.
Build on your experience
- Email your supervisor to say thank you and ask that they bear you in mind for future jobs.
- Ask for a reference.
- Put the internship on your CV – highlight any important tasks or responsibilities you were given and the skills they have helped you to develop.
- Use your experience as an example during interviews and highlight the valuable skills that you gained.