By India Pilgrim
Internships provide valuable, hands-on experience for students to be able get a glimpse of the career they wish to enter before graduating.
The Big Ideas Blog, written by Julie Maio at The State University of New York, lists 10 reasons why all students should participate in an internship during their college career, such as applying the knowledge from classroom education to real world experience and being able to figure out what you like and don’t like.
When students participate in internships, they can gain experience and get their foot in the door for the potential careers and fields they wish to enter after graduation. Participating in an internship allows students to ensure they are studying the subject that best suites them.
Emily Draper ’20, majoring in accounting and minoring in sport studies, participated in an internship during Summer 2019 at Moore Colson Certified Public Accounts and Advisors.
“This internship helped me get experience in the career I want and showed me what my life would be like. Internships are a great way to see what you want to do in life and what fits you best,” said Draper.
Another reason students should participate in internships, according to Maio, is for students to learn how a professional workplace operates. Being able to have hands-on experience learning and doing the skills that are needed for these fields creates valuable experience students can add to their resume.
Marketing alumnus Eric Weixlbaumer ’19, participated in an internship with American Academy of Medical Management, where he worked as a social media manager for the company. There he mastered skills that will help him reach his goal of becoming a successful businessman in the future.
“In today’s digital world, it is so important to know and master all the digital marketing tools out there. Setting up ad campaigns on social media helped me to learn how to acquire new customers through those channels,” said Weixlbaumer. “Right now, my goal is to learn as much as possible and acquire all the necessary skills to become a successful salesman.”
Internships provide a lot of value to students, allowing them to get ahead in their fields and learn necessary skills all while building their resume and experience. To find internships, students should talk with their advisor and dean about possible locations and how to receive credit while working.
