Sorry to break it to you but if you are leaving college armed with nothing but a degree, securing a job will be a nightmare. With the employment sector growing more competitive by the day, relying solely on your degree just won’t cut it. Now is the time to step up your game. If you are looking for ways to boost your resume, don’t think twice about applying for internships. Trust me, internships don’t just look good on paper, they allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience in your vocation of choice. Not to mention that internships are extremely useful when it comes to networking and establishing important contacts. However, you should be aware of common myths about internship.
The more internship you have done, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. Studies show that having an internship experience can lead to prospects of a full-time job as well as higher pays. A few internships on your resume will help you stand out from the other sea of applicants. You will have an edge over everyone who does not have any internship experience making the odds of landing a job interview more favorable for you.
Despite the benefits, so many undergraduates fail to seize these opportunities in fear of the unceasing myths surrounding internships. Let’s list down some of these absurd myths and break free of them once and for all.
1. Internships are a waste of time
Thanks to movies many people now believe that interns work long hours only to do menial work like photocopying documents and supplying coffee to employees. Although sometimes interns might indeed be asked to do tasks no one else is willing to do, internships are a lot more than just that. The ultimate goal for every internship program is to equip interns with new skills in the field so they can use them later on in their professional lives. Don’t let these oblivious fools convince you that internships are worthless because that is nothing but a lie.
Learn how to turn your internship into a permanent job at the same company
2. Internships are exploitative
Here’s another common misconceptions about internship you’ll hear quite often. People like to say that an internship is a clever way for firms to save money and gain access to cheap labor. The truth of the matter is that an internship leads to ‘I scratch your back you scratch mine’ kind of relationship. Internships bring mutual benefits to both the firm and the interns. You give some and you take some. As an intern, you can benefit the firm with your fresh talent and a new perspective on things. For an intern, the internship bridges the gap between college and the corporate world. In return, the firm can provide you with valuable networking and training. It’s a win-win situation.
3. Internships lead to a full-time job
Contrary to popular belief, this is not always true. Labor is expensive which is why internship programs have experienced an exponential rise in the last few years. Don’t be naïve enough to assume that you will be given an offer for a full-time job simply because you are interning at a company. Of course, if you are an exceptional intern demonstrating high caliber, chances are that you will likely be offered a pre-placement offer (PPO). The positions available at the time of your internships also play a huge role in determining whether you get a job offer.
Learn about ways to find an internship and what are the advantages.
4. The Best Internships Are Those That are Paid
Not all internships are paid and that’s okay because the exposure you gain from them is worth more than any stipends you can get. Just because a business isn’t paying you for interning with them does not mean it’s a rip-off. You need to understand that as fresh graduates you still lack a lot of prerequisite skills required to be paid. Instead of focusing on financial gains from the program, try to concentrate on more worthwhile benefits like the knowledge and skills you will acquire. Always go for quality over quantity.
5. You must only do internships related to your Degree
Here’s a very common misconceptions about internship people often have. There is no hard and fast rule about the types of internships you can or can’t do once you’ve finished your degree. It is recommended to intern in different fields as it gives you more clarity about where your interests truly lie. It also gives you more insight and helps you decide what career you wish to pursue. So remember that it is perfectly fine to intern in an unrelated field. You can still learn useful skills that can help you do better in your chosen career field
Also read: How To Find the Job You Love: 5 Proven Methods
6. You should Only Intern At Big Companies
Let’s clear the air- a big brand name does not equate to a good internship opportunity. Students often search for internships offered by large companies because they think these are the only good ones out there. Although working for a major company might add brand value to your resume, the lesser-known companies are where you get a more insightful experience. Many times low profile companies having little manpower can offer you serious work and responsibilities that can enhance your resume. While most big companies only offer internships for good publicity, small companies genuinely need the help.
Over 400,000 subscribers love MetroYak. Promote your voice in a highly targeted, personalized way using Promoted Content.
Share your requirements at: hello@metroyak.com
