Skipping the internship? Think again.

Completing my senior year in college was always a milestone I looked forward to reaching, but now that I’m nearing the finishline I have reflected on all the opportunities I passed up during my college years. Chances are you probably brush off your parents and professors when they tell you that ‘these are the best years of your life’ and ‘seize every opportunity you can’ but the truth is… they’re right! College is not just an environment for learning; it provides students with the growth and responsibility they need to face the real world.

When applying for jobs, you don’t want to be the post-grad who only has perfect grades to show for their degree; you want to have an edge that makes you stand out from every other applicant gunning for the same position. The harsh reality is that an employer is not going to focus much attention to your GPA (that you spent four years perfecting) if somebody else has previous experience in the desired position. This is why I urge you to throw away your reservations about growing up and start building your resume as soon as you can by taking advantage of your school’s internship program. I hope that by addressing some valuable benefits and common concerns you may have about the internship process, you will at least be more inclined to look into the options your school provides.

Benefits

College credit or hourly wage. One of the most undervalued benefits from an internship experience is the immediate reward. Most college universities offer internships as an option toward elective credits. If the location requires you to travel (into a major city for instance), some employers will reimburse your travel expenses as long as you have a receipt. College credit and a free ride three days a week? Yes, please!

Also, in some instances an employer is willing to substitute the college credit for an hourly wage. I know this sounds more appealing in theory but don’t get hung up on the money; having experience in your field before you even graduate will get you so much further in the long run than $8 an hour. So my question to you is: if you have to take elective courses anyway, why not at least have fun doing it while gaining valuable experience?

Real world experience. I hate to burst your bubble, but the $40k a year your parents are paying for that private university isn’t going to provide you with all the skills you need to enter the workforce. If you think about it rationally it’s almost impossible. What employer is going to ask you who is credited as the “father of public relations”? Don’t get me wrong, I am not discrediting the theory and history of a profession it is just as important as the practice, but it cannot prepare you for the ups and downs of a regular work day. The experience you gain during an internship is invaluable. Not only are you given the opportunity to utilize what you have learned in the classroom, but you are able to expand on it and grow as an aspiring professional and individual.

Network, Network, Network. I cannot stress this enough. If the previous benefits haven’t swayed you, then this one will. It doesn’t matter if you are going to school to be an accountant or a graphic designer; the best way to get your foot in the workforce door is to network. By partaking in internships you are given the opportunity to prove yourself as an individual and potential future employee. You can look at internships as drawn out interviews or temporary positions: your work and actions are seen and reflected through everybody around you. By putting your best foot forward and leaving a positive impression, you are setting yourself up to be seen by the employer (and their acquaintances) as someone worth employing. You want to get people saying your name before you’re even out of college to ensure that both you and potential employers know your worth and value. If you take nothing else from this, remember that you will leave an impression on everybody you come in contact with along your journey.



Fears and Concerns

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know sometimes it can seem intimidating to be surrounded by professionals, knowing that you yourself don’t have half the experience that they do, but that’s why you’re there. The employer and your colleagues are aware that this is a learning experience so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even the most well respected and distinguished professional is going to have a question here or there. Trust me, everybody wants to help you. When in doubt ask yourself: should I ask how to do this or wing it and see what happens? (Hint: you probably don’t want to see what happens when you’re dealing with clients).

Treat your internship as if you have already been offered the position (even if it’s not paid). Yes, on paper it is called an internship, but as I have previously stated, you leave an impression on everybody you come in contact with at an internship. The average internship lasts about 8-10 weeks so why not put your best foot forward and show what a great job you are capable of doing? You want to be confident about your capabilities and the contributions that you have to offer the company. Even if tasks seem minute and nonchalant to you, know that you have tremendously helped a colleague and new friend.

Be yourself. They saw your resume. They were all present for the interview. You were hired as an intern for your academic quality as well as your individualism. Being selected to work with a company isn’t just about what you have to offer, but also if you fit in with the culture and environment. Everybody has something unique to offer the team so let your personality shine!

Lauren Linzenberg, Intern, JCPR

Seton Hall University Senior

Public Relations and Communication Studies Double Major

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