16 answers
Henry
Student
Minnetonka, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
1475 views
How did internships help you in your career?
I'm curious about the role of internships in college. How valuable were they for you, and do you recommend specific types for someone interested in business?
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16 answers
Dustin Leszcynski
Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
Internships, Co-ops, and Apprenticeships are usually fantastic opportunities to learn and acquire useful work experience. They offer a sneak peek into how a specific company functions within a certain time frame (for example, they're not forever). These programs often come with extra training and a support system, as they're designed for folks who might be fresh to the professional world or switching careers.
Wioletta B
12
Answers
Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Wioletta’s Answer
An internship is a fantastic chance to witness and understand the inner workings of a company. Not only can you acquire valuable knowledge, but you'll also meet incredible people and mentors. Plus, the experience you gain will be a strong stepping stone for securing future job positions. It's a win-win situation!
Robert Epstein
General Manager
83
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
In addition to the other fines responses here, let me add two more factors. If you can, try out internships in both large and small companies, to see if your style of doing business fits well. Also, I found out that the people you work with can mean more than the business itself. A great group of coworkers in a large corporation is sometimes better than a tough team of entrepreneurs.
David Alaniz
Program Management
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
Offers valuable understanding of the industry you might wish to join in the future. An internship is more than just a learning opportunity for skills or crafts, it's a chance to gain practical work experience that strengthens your resume.
Daniel Galamba Minc Baumfeld, MBA
Business Process Analyst
2
Answers
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
An internship is a great experience to learn more a specific role/business. You will also learn how to work with different people, have a boss and responsabilities, develop skills, etc. Besides that, it is an amazing way to discover if you will like a specific kind of job/environment.
Anna Haas
Consultant
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Henry! An internship is a fantastic way to get a feel for different professions and careers. It gives you a hands-on experience of the fundamental aspects of many jobs, such as interpersonal communication, organization, and time management. Moreover, it serves as an initial step into the business and industry where you're interning. If you're drawn to the world of business, I would suggest you think about what specific areas captivate your interest - could it be strategy, finances, operations, marketing and PR, or something else? Don't worry if you're unsure at the moment! An internship in any corporate setting can provide a glimpse into what a career in business entails and the skills you'd need to acquire to succeed. Remember, the key is to stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop learning. This way, you'll eventually discover your own unique path.
Alison Walsh
PreSales Engineer
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hello Henry,
Internships are a fantastic tool for self-discovery and career exploration. They provide a unique opportunity to dip your toe into the waters of different professions, helping you understand what resonates with you and what doesn't. As a high school or college student, it's a daunting task to pinpoint your lifelong career. However, it's important to remember that your initial choice doesn't have to be your final one. Life is full of opportunities and there will be numerous occasions to switch careers if you wish.
Internships during college are like sneak peeks into the world of different professions. They help transform your abstract understanding of job roles into a concrete one, shedding light on the daily tasks, skills required, and the growth opportunities in each role.
There's a common misconception that you must enjoy your internships. While it's great if you do, discovering that a certain role isn't a good fit for you is equally beneficial. Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do. If you end up in a job that doesn't fulfill you, it's likely to reflect in the quality of your work.
To sum it up, internships are beneficial in multiple ways. They provide a realistic glimpse into different professions, highlight the skills you need to thrive, offer professional experience, and help you understand your career preferences. This knowledge will guide you in making informed career decisions in the future.
Internships are a fantastic tool for self-discovery and career exploration. They provide a unique opportunity to dip your toe into the waters of different professions, helping you understand what resonates with you and what doesn't. As a high school or college student, it's a daunting task to pinpoint your lifelong career. However, it's important to remember that your initial choice doesn't have to be your final one. Life is full of opportunities and there will be numerous occasions to switch careers if you wish.
Internships during college are like sneak peeks into the world of different professions. They help transform your abstract understanding of job roles into a concrete one, shedding light on the daily tasks, skills required, and the growth opportunities in each role.
There's a common misconception that you must enjoy your internships. While it's great if you do, discovering that a certain role isn't a good fit for you is equally beneficial. Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do. If you end up in a job that doesn't fulfill you, it's likely to reflect in the quality of your work.
To sum it up, internships are beneficial in multiple ways. They provide a realistic glimpse into different professions, highlight the skills you need to thrive, offer professional experience, and help you understand your career preferences. This knowledge will guide you in making informed career decisions in the future.
Gavin D. Hall
Consulting
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gavin D.’s Answer
Internships are helpful as they take you out of the classroom and allow someone to obtain practical experience in what should be a helpful, less risky environment.
College often do not completely replicate what it is like in a corporate environment so internship was helpful for me to begin to adjust what it was like being a professional - having work assignments, working with coworkers, receiving feedback and (sometimes) compensation. I also was able to see fi I actually liked the work I was doing or I should be looking at something else.
If interested in business, would recommend an analyst position in a strategy or business operations department. You get to see up close and personal how a business works.
College often do not completely replicate what it is like in a corporate environment so internship was helpful for me to begin to adjust what it was like being a professional - having work assignments, working with coworkers, receiving feedback and (sometimes) compensation. I also was able to see fi I actually liked the work I was doing or I should be looking at something else.
If interested in business, would recommend an analyst position in a strategy or business operations department. You get to see up close and personal how a business works.
Kamal Yechoor
Management Consultant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kamal’s Answer
In my opinion, internships come in several flavors, and it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your objectives before you start hunting for the perfect one.
Some internships offer the chance to dip your toes into something new - be it a fresh industry, a different company, or a novel role. These are usually more about gaining knowledge and figuring out if it's a path you'd like to tread in the long run. Such internships can also open doors to new connections and skillsets that might have been out of reach before. However, bear in mind, these internships might not come with a paycheck.
Then, there are internships that lean more towards the apprenticeship model, grooming you for a potential job within the same company. These are typically a bit more challenging to secure and serve as a mutual trial period. The company gets to assess if you're a good match and a potential hire they'd be thrilled about, while you get to decide if it's a company and work culture you'd enjoy being part of in the long haul.
Both types of internships can be competitive, but being clear about your goals can help you narrow down your options and craft a great narrative about yourself, which can be your ticket in the door.
Some internships offer the chance to dip your toes into something new - be it a fresh industry, a different company, or a novel role. These are usually more about gaining knowledge and figuring out if it's a path you'd like to tread in the long run. Such internships can also open doors to new connections and skillsets that might have been out of reach before. However, bear in mind, these internships might not come with a paycheck.
Then, there are internships that lean more towards the apprenticeship model, grooming you for a potential job within the same company. These are typically a bit more challenging to secure and serve as a mutual trial period. The company gets to assess if you're a good match and a potential hire they'd be thrilled about, while you get to decide if it's a company and work culture you'd enjoy being part of in the long haul.
Both types of internships can be competitive, but being clear about your goals can help you narrow down your options and craft a great narrative about yourself, which can be your ticket in the door.
Suraj Bawa
Sr Manager
1
Answer
Linden, New Jersey
Updated
Suraj’s Answer
Internships offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the real-world work setting firsthand. More crucially, they provide a platform to discover your preferences, what kind of work excites you, and what doesn't. Consider it as a valuable lesson in carving your unique career path and exploring various sectors.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi there Henry,
Many moons ago, I delved into the world of nutrition and dietetics, not business, and my learning journey took me to different settings like hospitals, schools, cafeterias, and community health centers. I was under the guidance of dietitians and chefs, learning about therapeutic dietetics.
During my practical sessions in hospital wards, some supervisors were not too pleased with my patient interaction skills, leading me to retake the subject. What was particularly challenging was the indifferent attitude of the therapist, which I believe contributed to my less-than-stellar performance in the internship.
What did the internships/practicals teach me? My interpersonal skills left a lot to be desired. Ditto for my other internship/practical subject on food service!
Based on my experience, I have some recommendations for internships for those studying in business colleges in the US.
Internships: A Key Part of College Education
Internships are a fundamental part of a student's journey through college. They offer practical experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to put classroom learning into real-life situations. Consequently, they can greatly improve a student's grasp of their chosen field and help them make informed decisions about their career trajectory.
My Internship Experiences
In my own experience, internships were highly beneficial. They gave me the opportunity to gain practical knowledge, hone professional skills, and establish a network within the industry. Through these internships, I was able to apply the theories I learned in class to real work situations, which deepened my understanding of the subject. Moreover, experiencing different work environments and company cultures helped me define my career aspirations.
Internship Opportunities for Business Students
For those interested in a business career, there are several types of internships that can be especially advantageous:
Finance Internships: These internships offer a glimpse into financial analysis, investment strategies, and corporate finance. They are perfect for students eyeing roles like financial analyst, investment banker, or corporate finance specialist.
Marketing Internships: Marketing internships provide hands-on experience in areas like market research, digital marketing, branding, and campaign management. These opportunities are particularly beneficial for students aiming for careers in advertising, public relations, or brand management.
Consulting Internships: Interning at a consulting firm gives students the chance to work on a variety of projects across different industries. It offers exposure to problem-solving, data analysis, and client interaction, making it a great choice for those considering careers in management consulting.
Entrepreneurship Internships: For students interested in starting their own businesses or working in startups, internships at entrepreneurial ventures can offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of building and running a business.
Operations Internships: These internships focus on the operational aspects of business, including supply chain management, process optimization, and project management. Students aiming for roles in operations management or logistics can gain practical skills through these internships.
My Suggestions
I strongly suggest pursuing internships that align with your interests and career objectives. Look for opportunities that offer meaningful responsibilities and the chance to work with experienced professionals. Also, consider internships that provide mentorship and learning opportunities beyond just day-to-day tasks.
It's also a good idea to seek internships at respected companies or organizations in your chosen field. The reputation and resources of these organizations can enhance your internship experience and add credibility to your resume.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of networking during your internship. Building relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals can open doors for future job opportunities and mentorship.
In conclusion, internships are essential for college students interested in business careers. They offer practical experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and insight into various roles within the business world. By choosing internships strategically and maximizing these experiences, students can gain a competitive edge as they transition from academia to the professional world.
I relied on the following authoritative references to provide accurate and current information on the value of internships for college students and specific recommendations for those interested in business careers:
Harvard Business Review: This publication offers authoritative insights into various aspects of business education and career development.
Forbes: Forbes is a trusted source for career advice, internship recommendations, and industry insights.
The Balance Careers: This platform provides comprehensive guidance on internships for business students and related career topics.
Many moons ago, I delved into the world of nutrition and dietetics, not business, and my learning journey took me to different settings like hospitals, schools, cafeterias, and community health centers. I was under the guidance of dietitians and chefs, learning about therapeutic dietetics.
During my practical sessions in hospital wards, some supervisors were not too pleased with my patient interaction skills, leading me to retake the subject. What was particularly challenging was the indifferent attitude of the therapist, which I believe contributed to my less-than-stellar performance in the internship.
What did the internships/practicals teach me? My interpersonal skills left a lot to be desired. Ditto for my other internship/practical subject on food service!
Based on my experience, I have some recommendations for internships for those studying in business colleges in the US.
Internships: A Key Part of College Education
Internships are a fundamental part of a student's journey through college. They offer practical experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to put classroom learning into real-life situations. Consequently, they can greatly improve a student's grasp of their chosen field and help them make informed decisions about their career trajectory.
My Internship Experiences
In my own experience, internships were highly beneficial. They gave me the opportunity to gain practical knowledge, hone professional skills, and establish a network within the industry. Through these internships, I was able to apply the theories I learned in class to real work situations, which deepened my understanding of the subject. Moreover, experiencing different work environments and company cultures helped me define my career aspirations.
Internship Opportunities for Business Students
For those interested in a business career, there are several types of internships that can be especially advantageous:
Finance Internships: These internships offer a glimpse into financial analysis, investment strategies, and corporate finance. They are perfect for students eyeing roles like financial analyst, investment banker, or corporate finance specialist.
Marketing Internships: Marketing internships provide hands-on experience in areas like market research, digital marketing, branding, and campaign management. These opportunities are particularly beneficial for students aiming for careers in advertising, public relations, or brand management.
Consulting Internships: Interning at a consulting firm gives students the chance to work on a variety of projects across different industries. It offers exposure to problem-solving, data analysis, and client interaction, making it a great choice for those considering careers in management consulting.
Entrepreneurship Internships: For students interested in starting their own businesses or working in startups, internships at entrepreneurial ventures can offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of building and running a business.
Operations Internships: These internships focus on the operational aspects of business, including supply chain management, process optimization, and project management. Students aiming for roles in operations management or logistics can gain practical skills through these internships.
My Suggestions
I strongly suggest pursuing internships that align with your interests and career objectives. Look for opportunities that offer meaningful responsibilities and the chance to work with experienced professionals. Also, consider internships that provide mentorship and learning opportunities beyond just day-to-day tasks.
It's also a good idea to seek internships at respected companies or organizations in your chosen field. The reputation and resources of these organizations can enhance your internship experience and add credibility to your resume.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of networking during your internship. Building relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals can open doors for future job opportunities and mentorship.
In conclusion, internships are essential for college students interested in business careers. They offer practical experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and insight into various roles within the business world. By choosing internships strategically and maximizing these experiences, students can gain a competitive edge as they transition from academia to the professional world.
I relied on the following authoritative references to provide accurate and current information on the value of internships for college students and specific recommendations for those interested in business careers:
Harvard Business Review: This publication offers authoritative insights into various aspects of business education and career development.
Forbes: Forbes is a trusted source for career advice, internship recommendations, and industry insights.
The Balance Careers: This platform provides comprehensive guidance on internships for business students and related career topics.
Alan Gregory
Sales
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Undertaking an internship can be a truly rewarding experience for several reasons:
- It provides a golden opportunity to explore your chosen career path more deeply, helping you decide if it's the right fit for you.
- It offers invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world work setting, fostering a sense of responsibility for tasks and projects.
- It paves the way for you to make a positive impression, enabling the company to recognize your potential as a future employee once you graduate from college.
- It serves as a powerful addition to your CV, boosting your profile and increasing your employability.
- It provides a golden opportunity to explore your chosen career path more deeply, helping you decide if it's the right fit for you.
- It offers invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world work setting, fostering a sense of responsibility for tasks and projects.
- It paves the way for you to make a positive impression, enabling the company to recognize your potential as a future employee once you graduate from college.
- It serves as a powerful addition to your CV, boosting your profile and increasing your employability.
Poonam Dhake
House wife
15
Answers
North Brunswick Township, New Jersey
Updated
Poonam’s Answer
Internships can be really helpful in your career. They offer you a chance to learn by doing real work. Here are some ways they can help:
Learning Skills: Internships let you practice important skills like talking with others, working in a team, solving problems, and managing your time.
Making Connections: Internships let you meet people who work in the field you're interested in. These connections can be helpful when you're looking for a job later on.
Trying Different Jobs: Internships give you a chance to try different jobs and see what you like. This helps you decide what career path to choose.
Improving Your Resume: Having internships on your resume shows employers that you have experience and are willing to learn. It makes your resume look better and increases your chances of getting hired.
Building Confidence: Internships give you a safe place to learn and grow. They help you feel more confident in yourself and ready for future challenges in your career.
Remember, internships can vary, but overall,
Learning Skills: Internships let you practice important skills like talking with others, working in a team, solving problems, and managing your time.
Making Connections: Internships let you meet people who work in the field you're interested in. These connections can be helpful when you're looking for a job later on.
Trying Different Jobs: Internships give you a chance to try different jobs and see what you like. This helps you decide what career path to choose.
Improving Your Resume: Having internships on your resume shows employers that you have experience and are willing to learn. It makes your resume look better and increases your chances of getting hired.
Building Confidence: Internships give you a safe place to learn and grow. They help you feel more confident in yourself and ready for future challenges in your career.
Remember, internships can vary, but overall,
Junnie Lai, MBA
Consultant Chef
61
Answers
Updated
Junnie’s Answer
Dear Henry,
The advice you've received so far is truly excellent.
During my college years, I undertook two internships. The first one provided me with a comprehensive understanding of all the departments within a hotel.
Depending on your academic focus, you have the opportunity to request placements in various departments. This will give you a broader understanding of their operations. This sort of exposure is typically not available in a full-time role.
In my second internship, I was fortunate enough to work for a corporate entity. This experience significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Remember, most managers are thrilled to guide interns on their journey. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience, helping you to develop and grow. So, go ahead and seize these opportunities with both hands!
The advice you've received so far is truly excellent.
During my college years, I undertook two internships. The first one provided me with a comprehensive understanding of all the departments within a hotel.
Depending on your academic focus, you have the opportunity to request placements in various departments. This will give you a broader understanding of their operations. This sort of exposure is typically not available in a full-time role.
In my second internship, I was fortunate enough to work for a corporate entity. This experience significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Remember, most managers are thrilled to guide interns on their journey. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience, helping you to develop and grow. So, go ahead and seize these opportunities with both hands!
Mac Witmer
Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mac’s Answer
Hi Henry,
Internships are a key tool to help build your professional dreams. Here are a couple of tangible ways internships helped me for you to consider.
1) Internships are a great way to test drive different industries.
When I was in college, I had a lot of fun interning for different types of companies across different industries. I started interning during spring quarter of my freshman year at a local tech start up in San Diego, then I interned in the summer for a luxury cosmetics company in San Francisco. My sophomore year, I interned for the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego because I was very interested in learning about the arts world. Then in sophomore summer, I went back to the cosmetics company for a second internship in a new team! After that, I studied abroad and did an internship for a wine company. And finally, when I came back to my last year of school, I interned for a PR agency. By the time I finished college, I had tried out almost every industry that interested me, so I knew what I would want to do full time. I ended up going into Tech which was a great choice out of college for me, and I had so much experience through internships that my resume was full of things to talk about.
2) Internships can sometimes count for class credit
One thing I didn't know until later was that some of my internships counted towards class credit. This enabled me to graduate early from undergrad in 3 years (which saved a lot of money!)
3) Internships help you build your network
Internships are a great way to start building your professional network early!
Bonus tip: Companies can create internships for you
Being an intern means your super flexible for scheduling and usually a very reasonable priced resource for a company. My advice is if you're dreaming of working somewhere and they don't have internships publicly advertised, reach out to someone at the company on LinkedIn or if you can find their corporate email on the website and ask for a "coffee chat" where you can then propose your sincere interest in doing an internship with them. Two of my internships came this way, not through a job posting.
Good luck with everything!
Internships are a key tool to help build your professional dreams. Here are a couple of tangible ways internships helped me for you to consider.
1) Internships are a great way to test drive different industries.
When I was in college, I had a lot of fun interning for different types of companies across different industries. I started interning during spring quarter of my freshman year at a local tech start up in San Diego, then I interned in the summer for a luxury cosmetics company in San Francisco. My sophomore year, I interned for the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego because I was very interested in learning about the arts world. Then in sophomore summer, I went back to the cosmetics company for a second internship in a new team! After that, I studied abroad and did an internship for a wine company. And finally, when I came back to my last year of school, I interned for a PR agency. By the time I finished college, I had tried out almost every industry that interested me, so I knew what I would want to do full time. I ended up going into Tech which was a great choice out of college for me, and I had so much experience through internships that my resume was full of things to talk about.
2) Internships can sometimes count for class credit
One thing I didn't know until later was that some of my internships counted towards class credit. This enabled me to graduate early from undergrad in 3 years (which saved a lot of money!)
3) Internships help you build your network
Internships are a great way to start building your professional network early!
Bonus tip: Companies can create internships for you
Being an intern means your super flexible for scheduling and usually a very reasonable priced resource for a company. My advice is if you're dreaming of working somewhere and they don't have internships publicly advertised, reach out to someone at the company on LinkedIn or if you can find their corporate email on the website and ask for a "coffee chat" where you can then propose your sincere interest in doing an internship with them. Two of my internships came this way, not through a job posting.
Good luck with everything!
Ashley Church
Project Manager
2
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Internships provide the valuable experience that most job openings require. They also offer a glimpse into what your future career might entail.