Internships let you work for a company in your industry for a short time, while you’re still studying. They’re designed to help you learn, let you gain work experience and help you secure a job after graduation.
In this article you’ll learn about:
- What internships are.
- The difference between traditional, virtual, and micro-internships – with a note on externships and co-op programmes.
- Why internships matter for students and future careers.
- Practical steps on how to apply for an internship.
There can be a big gap between theory and practice. That’s why no, matter your academic record, many companies look for work experience when offering even entry-level positions. Internships are short-term work placements that help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world work They let you develop professional skills, build networks, and increase your chances of securing a job after graduation.
Forbes reports, “New LinkedIn data has found that interns are almost 25% more likely than non-interns to start a full-time position within 6 months of graduation.”
So, how do you apply for an internship, beat out the other candidates, and start building your professional relationships?
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary position designed to help students apply what they learn in the classroom to real workplace situations.
From the employer’s point of view, this is a good way to find and evaluate new talent – employers often hire their interns after graduation. Even if they don’t, you still have the skills and experience you’ve gotten to take to another company.
In some programmes, getting a “for credit” internship is even part of the curriculum.
The USA’s National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) says that an internship lets you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom so far.
Opportunities to apply academic knowledge in a workplace setting
- Transferable skills that are useful beyond one organisation.
- A defined start and end date.
- A clear definition of your role and responsibilities.
- Learning objectives connected to academic development.
- Mentorship or supervision from experienced professionals.
What are the benefits of an internship?
As well as giving you work experience and contributing to your learning, an internship has a lot to offer you:
- Professional networking: Interns build relationships with industry professionals who may become mentors or future employers.
- Skills development:Internships help develop valuable soft skills, including:
- Communication.
- Time management.
- Teamwork.
- Problem solving.
- A stronger resume and increased employability.
- Job opportunities: Studies suggest 50–60% of interns receive job offers from the organisations where they interned.
- Internships help you build confidence and develop a clearer idea of your career path.
Are internships paid?
Internships can be both paid and unpaid. Don’t write off unpaid internships, as they’ll still give you all the benefits listed above
Some unpaid internships might still cover some of your expenses. They may also offer a stipend – that is, you’ll be paid, but it will be less money than a salary and you won’t get any benefits.
Naturally, competition for paid internships is very stiff and they are only offered by private companies or very large organisations. Unpaid internships might be your only option if you want to work for government, non-profits or smaller companies.
Three types of internships
In a traditional internship you work in person and on site, and in virtual internships you work remotely. Both can be full-time or part-time and usually last for one to three months over a semester or a summer. In contrast, micro-internships are short-term, project-focused assignments that usually require about 5 to 40 hours of work.
“Traditional internships offer deeper immersion into day-to-day operations, while micro-internships provide immediate project-based experience without long-term commitments,” summarises the Delta Institute.
| Traditional | Virtual | Micro-internship |
Pros | · More in-depth interactions with coworkers. · More supervision / mentorship. · A holistic view: you’ll see how other teams’ work fits in with yours. | · Flexible. · No transport costs. · You can work for companies all over the world.
| · Flexible. · Available year-round. · Less time commitment. · Usually remote, eliminating transport costs. · You can work for companies all over the world. · Always paid. · Ideal for building skills quickly. · You can explore different roles. · You will work with a greater range of people. |
Cons | · You must be close by. · You usually have to conform to a set schedule. · Transport will take up both time and money. · You may not be able to afford to take an unpaid position. | · Less feedback. · Fewer networking opportunities. · More focus on role-specific tasks than broader learning. · Potential isolation.
| · You won’t have time to build in-depth relationships. · A very narrow focus on project-specific tasks. Less focus on your personal development. · You have to compete for these positions with other gig-economy workers. · You will have to spend a lot of time searching for projects if you want to get as much experience as a traditional internship offers. |
There are also alternatives to an internship:
An externship is a short-term assignment where you’ll observe professionals at work but won’t do any work yourself. While internships are more about developing your skills, externships teach you about jobs and industries you’re considering entering.
Some schools are part of co-op programmes, which are structured partnerships with employers. Unlike internships, they usually require you to pause your studies in order to participate. For example, you might spend one semester studying, then one working full-time.
Positions in co-op programmes last much longer than internships and require a lot more commitment to your employer. Rather than supporting a team that works at the company, you are essentially taking on a full-time job for a limited duration, with the extra responsibility that involves. Luckily, these positions are typically paid.
How do you get the most out of an internship?
In selecting an internship, try to find the best fit for your personality and ambitions. Consider:
- Your career goals: Think long-term. What skills are you looking to develop? What industry do you want to get into, and what kind of work do you eventually want to do there? Maybe you’re more interested in marketing than the business side of things, or vice versa. Look for internships that will give you the most opportunities in these areas.
- Timing: Will you be available at the time of the internship? Will you be able to meet its demands, or will you be too focused on something else, like important exams?
- Financial concerns: Can you afford to take an unpaid internship?
- Location flexibility: In the age of virtual internships, it’s possible to do internships that aren’t located near you. This will not only help you find more opportunities, but you may be able to work for more prestigious or cutting-edge companies.
If you can actually travel to take up an internship, strongly consider it as the experience will be even more personally enriching.
Where do you find an internship?
Your school may have connections you can use, but more opportunities are out there. Looking for an internship can be a lot like looking for a regular job.
Students can find internships through several sources.
University resources
Many schools provide:
- Career centres.
- Faculty recommendations.
- Alumni networks.
Online job platforms
Popular job boards include:
- Glassdoor.
- LinkedIn.
- Indeed.
Industry events
Job fairs, conferences, and networking events can also lead to internship opportunities.
Company career pages
If you have a specific company in mind, check its website’s careers section for internship postings.
You can also send a cold email, although responses may be limited.
How do you apply for an internship – and get it?
- Create an ATS-friendly resume. Nowadays, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human recruiter sees them. Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly before it gets the chance to impress a hiring manager. Your resume should:
- Use clear formatting
- Include relevant keywords
- Highlight achievements and skills
- Tailor your cover letter to the position you’re seeking. A personalised cover letter shows genuine interest in the company and is much more impactful. Learn what makes a good cover letter, then Research the organisation and explain how your skills align with its goals.
- Curate your social media. The first thing a hiring manager will do is look you up online. Up to now you will have been posting from the point of view of a student rather than a professional, so do a quick clean-up and take out anything inappropriate or which makes you look irresponsible. An effective LinkedIn profile can work wonders. Build a presence by reading and responding to posts from companies and people whose work interests you.
- Follow up on your application. As hiring managers wade through piles of applications, this helps draw their attention to yours and shows that you have follow-through. Keep it brief and polite – don’t be demanding or informal.
- Polish your interview skills. Be as prepared and professional as if you’re applying for a full-time job. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Prepare examples of:
- Academic projects.
- Team experiences.
- Problem-solving situations.
Conclusion
An internship is a rewarding opportunity that will teach you a lot, while looking great on your resume. In a competitive job market, the advantages internships offer can be priceless: they’ll let you gain real-world experience before graduation, build professional skills, expand networks, and increase the chances of securing a full-time job.
So if you’re planning your next academic break, consider this question: What could an internship do for your future career?
