WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP, AND HOW DO YOU GET ONE?

Many times, it happens that even after graduating from college, students lack the necessary skills to get a job. They are not industry-ready and are devoid of relevant skills. The Skills India Report made a shocking revelation: in India, only 40–45% of youth are employable. In such instances, internships offer entry-level exposure to an industry or a company. They act as a window for the students to explore their career options, learn about the industry, make connections, and develop soft and hard skills. 

Working in an industry setting makes the students job-ready. Foraying into a particular field gives them a learning experience, and based on their performance, there are high chances of landing a full-time job offer. It also trains their mindset, which is essential for career development, along with giving them an idea of the right career path. It assists in expanding their professional network.

What is an internship?

An internship is a time period where a student gains professional experience and knowledge related to their chosen field of interest. Companies and organizations generally offer internships. Interns acquire valuable real-world work experience and industry-relevant skills before entering the workforce. There are various types of internships based on the duration, location, and amount paid. These can be full-time, part-time, remote, paid, unpaid, etc.

There are a good number of differences between a job and an internship. Typically, an internship lasts for a short period of time, like a few months to a year. Internships can be paid or unpaid. The qualifications required to get an internship are also basic and not demanding. In contrast, jobs provide long-term work, pay more, and require high qualifications. 

Benefits of internships

As mentioned above, internships provide an opportunity for students to procure practical knowledge and skills such as critical thinking, time management, and professionalism. Students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. When interns work in a workplace, their networking opportunities improve. They build stronger connections and get guidance from professionals. 

The real-world experience gained during the internship helps in creating a strong resume. It portrays that the student is employable and has relevant skills to perform better for their company. The companies then don’t have to spend more money and time training the students. It is a win-win situation for both the employer and employee.

Finding the right internship

A student has to be meticulous in choosing the right internship to succeed in a particular field. Here are some tips that will help you find the right internship: 

1. Identify your goals: Before you begin an internship, list out what interests you. The internship that you will be doing has to align with your goals and aspirations. Think about the job position, the type of internship, and the company you want to associate with. If you don’t have anything particular in mind, look out for the options based on your graduation course.
2. Researching opportunities: Once you have narrowed down your goals, the next step is to research internship opportunities. There are various websites and mobile applications like Internshala, ApnaJob, Linkedin, etc. where you can handpick internship opportunities offered by companies. Companies have a strong social media presence these days. You can visit their websites to learn more. Universities arrange job affairs regularly. Take part in them to get an idea. Make use of your network, i.e., approach your seniors or friends who are already working. 

Applying for an internship

• Create an impressive resume: Firstly, build a resume following a proper template. Keep it concise and authentic. Highlight pertinent skills and add your project work, etc. Secondly, tailor your resume according to the position and company you are applying for. Don’t forget to include keywords, a header, a summary, and an objective. Maintain the same font size and use bold font when necessary. Before submitting your resume, proofread it to make sure it has no grammar or spelling errors.
• Crafting a strong cover letter: Attaching a cover letter leaves a good impression and gives an overview of your personality. Include the skills and qualifications that match the requirements of the hiring position. Demonstrate why you are a good fit for the job and how your knowledge and experience can add value to the company. This will surely make your resume stand out from the rest.
• Prepare for the interviews: Cracking interviews is the most important stage to obtaining an internship. Make thorough research about the company and the role you are applying for. Especially, have deep knowledge about the skills and project works mentioned. Prepare yourself for the prospective questions, along with practicing your responses. Be punctual, and dress appropriately. Carry your resume and the necessary documents. Maintain composure and have positive body language. 

Conclusion

Internships are a gateway before you join the workforce. They give a bird’s-eye view of the career that you will be treading on. So, start searching for internships well in advance to stay ahead in this competitive world. Customize your resume to suit the job description and conduct research to gain more knowledge about the job and company. Give interviews with confidence and go well prepared. After getting an internship, make use of every opportunity to enhance your knowledge, hone your skills, connect with coworkers, and take their guidance. Ask relevant questions, be proactive and punctual, display professionalism, and most importantly, have a positive outlook. Follow your mentor and seek regular feedback to experience a successful internship journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the key differences between an internship and a job?

An internship is short-term professional training that provides entry-level exposure to a company or industry. It gives temporary work experience and demands comparatively lower educational qualifications. Payment to the intern is less and lacks company benefits. On the other hand, a job is a long-term career opportunity. An employee gets many company benefits, including a predetermined salary. 

How can I find paid internships in my field?

Firstly, have an idea about the job and field in your mind. Later, make use of websites and platforms like Internshala, Glassdoor, etc. that post-internship offers frequently. Go through the internship details and check whether it’s a paid one. If yes, customize your resume based on the job description and the skills that the company is demanding. If you already have a company in mind that you wish to work for, then check their website and approach them about the internship.

What should I include in my resume and cover letter for an internship application?

Before building a resume, examine the company and the skills demanded for a particular post. Then, in your resume, showcase those relevant skills, high grades, your previous work experience or projects, and courses related to the job description. Add your contact information, objective, education details, certifications, awards, etc. to make it more appealing. Finally, keep your resume concise and clear to leave a positive impression on the employer. Make sure your resume is short and not too complicated; use simple language and be specific. Proofread it carefully to avoid grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. 

How can I make the most of a virtual internship?

A virtual internship is equally helpful as an on-site one. Set up a workspace and be professional while attending video calls. Be punctual and submit assignments on time. Immerse yourself and try to hone the skills learned during the internship. Ask questions and indulge in research. Time management is also crucial, so be organized. Establish strong connections and communicate effectively. After your internship ends, ask for guidance, feedback, and a certification or recommendation letter.

What are some common challenges an intern faces, and how can they overcome them?

Since an intern is a novice in the professional setting, it takes some time to adapt to the changes. As an amateur, he or she is overwhelmed by the vast amount of information that has to be processed. Learning new skills is time-consuming. When an intern is introduced to a new environment, they are hesitant to ask questions and have self-doubts about their performance. There is also pressure from high expectations. These concerns can be overcome through communication, trying to adapt quickly, working hard to process information, boosting creativity, and staying focused. Do not be hesitant to seek support and feedback from your mentors. Ask for their guidance and experience. Be open-minded and have an optimistic attitude.