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| Snag That Internship! By: Isabella Hecht Everyone knows that internships are important. They are an opportunity to integrate career related experience into an undergraduate education. But what exactly does this mean? In order to collect information about internships, I spoke to Diane Miller, the Assistant Director of Career Services for the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. Diane says that the benefit of internships is twofold. First, internships allow students to learn about career fields before committing to them. Practical experience is very valuable, and can help you decide whether or not you are truly interested in a field; from there, internships can aid you in narrowing down your choices within the field itself. Secondly, when hiring, employers look to hire students have some prior experience in the field. For example, if you are a recent college graduate looking to get involved in the publishing world, a degree in English is great; but, it is much easier to get a job in the field if you have been involved with your school news paper and interned at a magazine. You will look more impressive and desirable to employers if it appears that you already have a good idea of what you’re doing. Skills can be just as important as academics. So how do you get an internship? The easiest answer is: Look! Colleges will have a broad variety of services that you should take advantage of. The office for career services will arrange career fairs that bring employers to campus, offer counseling and advice, and even help critique your resume. Many colleges have their own websites with job listings where you can search for interesting opportunities. There are more opportunities for college students, but that doesn’t mean high school students are excluded. In high school, it is more important to gain personal experience, to help you decide what you want to do. Volunteering, or an unpaid internship, helps you gain experience in different fields. There may not be as many opportunities at school to help you find an internship, but there are guidance counselors, teachers, and the power of networking! You may want to do some informational interviewing, where you find someone who is willing to take half an hour and simply tell you what they do. In high school, it is more important to discover your interests for the future, than to begin work right away. When working as an intern, know what your employer expects from you, and be open to whatever they need, within reason. Take initiative, be professional, and do a good job. Keep a positive work ethic and be well- organized. Once your internship is finished, keep in contact with your employer; you may need references sometime in the future. Internships are not just to give you something to put on your resume; they are also for you, to help you find out what you want to do with your life. So get the most out of them that you possibly can! Interested in an internship with Athena Magazine for Girls? Click here! |
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