3 Keys to a Successful Internship

How to get an internship of your dreams and get the most out of it.

Ryan Stabile
California State University – Fullerton

While college provides the definitive knowledge of any given vocation, actually implementing what was learned and turning it into a practical skill is a whole other game. This is where internships come in, or on-the-job training in the field to which you may aspire. Internships are a great way to gain experience, determine if you are interested in a certain career, receive on-the-job training, buff up that resume and even get paid while receiving company perks at the same time. The typical college internship program lasts eight to 12 weeks, but each job will vary. Here are three keys to a successful internship:

1. You don’t apply for an internship in the same way you would a regular job. Your school should have a list of local internships to choose from in your area, and some classes require that you do an internship as part of the coursework. Alternatively, you can easily browse jobs at your leisure online at sites like Uloop; companies are always looking for fresh minds to put to use.

2. There are a few things you’ll want to remember during the course of your internship in order to get the most out of it. One of the most important aspects of an internship is the networking. By talking to as many people as possible, you not only learn more about the company, but you’re also building friendships that will be important later on. Talk to employees in every position, big and small, but remember that no one likes a blabber mouth.

3. Even if the internship is unpaid, treat it like a professional job. If you don’t take the job seriously, don’t be expected to be taken seriously. You may end up being hired by the company later on, and if not, be sure to keep in contact with some of the employees you’ve met during your internship.

Put your knowledge to the test with some real-world experience, and see just how much you really know.