Why internships matter and how you can find one

Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:32:53 +0000

Getting an education is an important step towards preparing for work in many fields, however, it may not be enough as employers often require experience as well. An internship provides an opportunity to learn on the job under the supervision of individuals with experience in the field.

Internships are similar to cooperative education (co-op) opportunities, but more often take place during the summer or even after graduation, while co-op placements usually occur during the academic year. Internships can vary in length and are typically longer than co-op placements. Some internships are paid while others aren’t, depending on the field and the organization. They can be with a range of different organizations: small or large, with businesses, nonprofits or the government. Even it isn’t a requirement, here are some reasons you may still want to get an internship and how to go about finding one.

Benefits of an internship

An internship provides an excellent opportunity to go beyond the theory and apply what you have learned in the workplace environment. It may even increase your motivation to learn as you start to understand how you are applying what you learn in class. Is this something you enjoy doing? Can you see yourself doing this for a living?

Internships also provide an opportunity to gain relevant experience in your field of study which can help you with future job applications. An internship typically does not require much experience, if at all, and the expectations are typically lower than they would be for an employee. While it may be tempting to forgo an opportunity that is low paid or unpaid, remember that you are getting free hands-on education that will help you access paid employment in the future. If you do not already have experience working in Canada, this can also give you some insight into the Canadian workplace culture.  An internship is something that you can add to your resume.

Through an internship, you will broaden your network by meeting people in your field, you may gain references for future employment, and you may be the first to know about job openings for which you can apply. It provides an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your skills, knowledge, attitude and work ethic and if you make a good impression, you may be offered a job in the future.

How to find an internship

If doing an internship is a requirement to graduate from your academic program, make sure you consult with your academic department first to determine the type of internship that you need. Find out if your educational institution has a process to help you find an internship or if searching for one is something you must do on your own. If it is the latter, you will need to make sure that the opportunities for which you are applying are recognized and approved by your program. If you are not required to complete an internship but are choosing to apply for one, determine your availability, and the type of internships and the organizations of interest.

Connect with people in your network, including your professors to see if they are aware of any opportunities. Your school may have a Career Centre that lists internships, and they may also recommend some external listings sites as well. Many schools also offer support with preparing your resume and cover letter, and practice interviews. Be sure to ask if these supports are available at your school.

If you are interested in an internship within a particular organization, you may want to contact them directly. Some organizations have more formalized internship programs with specific application dates, while others are more flexible and may take on students at different times of the year, based on their capacity.

Make the best of the internship

You may not be getting paid or the level of responsibility may not be what you expected; however, if you think you might like to work in this field and/or for the organization, do not underestimate the importance of making a positive impression. This includes showing up on time, being helpful to others, being receptive to constructive feedback, and working hard to show your worth as a potential employee. Internships are not only opportunities for you to gain experience and learn; they also give employers a chance to see if you would be a good fit for their organization. There are never any guarantees, but if you impress the employer, you may land your first job in your field.

Some internships turn out well, while others may not; however, even a negative experience can be helpful. You may learn that the field or job you were pursuing is not right for you or that the organization is not a good fit. Positive or negative, the opportunity will help position you for the future, whether that is to continue to pursue your current field and access employment, or to rethink your career direction and explore options that are better suited to you.

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