Around this time of year, many college and graduate students think about applying for summer internships. Some are doing this because they have a burning desire to work in a particular field. Others are doing this because they know they should, but they may not have settled on an area of interest. Some may even hesitate to seek an internship because it might “lock them in” to something they have no love for.
This lack of clarity is not uncommon. Just remember that there is nothing that tethers you to the business or industry where you intern. Yes, it is possible that if you do well, a company might offer you a permanent position upon graduation. But there are no guarantees, and you shouldn’t feel obligated to take an offer if you feel that it’s not for you.
I suggest that even if you haven’t identified a career path, it’s well worth getting a summer internship experience. As an undergraduate seeking a four-year degree, you could have the opportunity for multiple summer internships. Those different work experiences will help you narrow your interests.
Benefits of a Summer Internship
A summer internship lets you experience an organization from the inside. You’ll get a feel for company culture. You’ll also meet people with a variety of different experiences and have a chance to get to know what path they took to get where they are now. You may find out that there are certain aspects of a job or a company that you like, and others that you don’t like. This will help point you in the direction of a career that really suits you.
You may find that many of your colleagues don’t have the kind of background you might expect them to have based on the jobs that they hold. For example, you’ll find people who work in marketing who have degrees in accounting or financial analysts who have degrees in biology. What they have in common is that they have found an area of business that appeals to them and that they believe matches their needs. You may see people who are working but have plans to go to graduate school. You may see others who are unhappy in their roles and be able to explore why.
At the end of the day, even if you choose not to pursue a full-time role in the industry your summer internship is in, you will have gained valuable work experience that you can add to your resume as well as a deeper understanding of how organizations work and how people work within those organizations. All of this will help guide you as you move toward the kind of career you want. If you are unsure how to get started identifying and applying for summer internship positions, reach out to your college or university job placement service for support.
Command the Interview was founded to help young people take their first steps toward the career of their dreams. We coach candidates on how to prepare for the interview, present their skills and experience, develop interviewing confidence, and follow up professionally. If you or someone you know needs help with this, reach out to us or email me at Kerrie@CommandtheInterview.com.