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What should I expect from a good quality internship?

I have heard from many colleagues pursuing internships that there are good and bad ones. I want to be able to determine what type of internship I should get involved in. I want to get everything that is necessary out of a internship so I can be fully prepared for my desired career path. What are the things I need to look for so I can envision success with this internship? #public-relations #marketing #advertising

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Scott’s Answer

What a great question! Since the colleagues have told you that there are both good and ......not so good....internships, then they would probably be the best ones to ask: "What is a 'Good' internship?" But I can guess.


A "Good Internship" is one that:


A. Engages you in relevant training for your degree. Obviously, if you want advertising experience, then going to work as an accounting intern would not be "good."


B. Also, going to work as a marketing intern, then being given primary tasks like, "making the daily run to fetch coffee and lunch," might not be "good." On the other hand, networking within the organization should be one of your goals, regardless of how relevant the task might be to your interests.


C. Allows you to have opportunities for success (or failure!). Happily, as an intern, by definition you can make mistakes more often than the regular employee! The firm with which you work should recognise this, and allow you to perform tasks regardless. Good internships allow for some risk.


D. Finally, let's imagine that you succeed at some task: In a "Good Internship," the firm will recognise this and document it. "Devon did a great job on the Katy Dodge campaign, creating a social media advertisement for the Dodge Avenger that increased the client's July 2018, sales 25% over July 2017, sales.. Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional details at 713-000-5555"- Joe Schmoe, Manager, Texas United Marketing Inc., August 15, 2018.


Remember, if it was not documented, then.... it did not happen.

Scott recommends the following next steps:

Ask the college to define "good" internship as specifically as possible.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Devon...it's great to see you asking about internships. I think they're invaluable, whether paid or unpaid internships. Education is only part of starting your career. Experience is even more important. When looking at an internship, I suggest that you look for something in your field of interest and getting the opportunity to have hands on experience. It's better to be hands on with something somewhat related versus just being a fly on the wall. That said, look for something that may give you an opportunity to do multiple things so you can get an idea of what you may like. For instance, my first internship in advertising was in Media at Grey Advertising. I was more interested in strategy and creative, but this was an opportunity to intern with hands on experience at one of the biggest agencies in the world at the time and I couldn't let that go. I learned about agency life and culture and how the company was organized. It was very valuable as I continued to carve out my path of what i wanted to do.
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Barb’s Answer

Hi. As Scott pointed out, this is a great question, and he gave you some sound info. I would add a bit to that. Internships provide some intangible benefits that make a big difference when you move into the working world. For example, working with teams, learning how to build consensus, dealing with challenging personalities. These are all things that will come up in an internship, but that are not specific to your job description or duties. While it's important to pick an internship that hits on all the major points of your career goals, don't overlook culture and fit. If you are comfortable in the environment, and like the people you work with, you will have fun and do good work. That will translate to great stuff on your resume. Good luck!
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Siara’s Answer

Hi Devon! This is a good question. There is so much you should expect from a good quality internship.
Right now I am interning with Dell Technologies as a Federal Inside Sales intern and I am enjoying my internship because of the people, lessons, my coaches, mentor, manager, guest speakers, ERG's, training, and so much more. A good quality internship allows you to grow while helping you understand the task at hand. Your internship should leave you feeling comfortable and more knowledgeable. The firm should be able to recognize your hard work and reward you for that. In a good quality internship, they will do so by telling you how great you're doing or giving you a shout-out. A low quality internship will "throw you to the wolves" with no training and no type of recognition. After an internship, you should have a good idea of knowing whether you want to work in that career field/ with that company, or not.
During your internship...
- Don't be afraid to ask questions
- say YES to the many opportunities coming your way
- interact with the other interns and leaders
- try to get involved in an ERG (Employee Resource Group)
- Find the right mentor
- Make it fun, manage your time, and don't stress.
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