One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of growing up is facing the reality that you can’t stay in school forever. That statement may sound a bit off-base if you’re a senior ready to leave your college years behind you, but for many staying in school sounds far more appealing than setting foot into the real world.
Fortunately, an internship is a great segway into having a job while still staying present in your academic life. Part-time internships are most common for full-time students and typically range anywhere from 10-20 hours a week. Many are paid positions, but some are unpaid or provide you with course credit towards your degree. There are many unanswered questions and plenty of confusion surrounding internships when you are beginning your college journey, but these four tips should help guide you in the right direction.
1. Make sure you’re really ready for an internship.
The most important thing I’ve learned since arriving at college: you don’t have to do everything all at once. I’ve seen far too many freshmen and sophomores kicking themselves because they haven’t joined five student organizations, got a job, and landed an internship. College is a huge transitional period! Before you start stacking your plate with other obligations, take a moment to assess whether or not you’re in a comfortable routine and doing what you came to college to do. Is your class schedule manageable? Do you have enough free time to take on an extra 10-25 hours a week without letting your grades drop or your mental health suffer? Are you able to possibly commute to wherever your internship requires you to work? These are all questions that you should ponder before making a commitment to any job or internship.
2. Get a planner or utilize your calendar.
If you do decide that an internship is right for you, staying organized is essential. Speaking from personal experience, it gets a little too easy to accidentally miss assignments when you’re trying to juggle schoolwork and internship tasks all at once. Keeping a simple planner and mapping out your weekly tasks in advance will ensure you have ample time to complete assignments and stay on track. If you’re a paper person, I recommend a hardcover planner that won’t get bent or torn in your backpack. If you’re an iPad user, there are several inexpensive downloadable planners that you can import into several apps, such as Goodnotes and Notability.
3. Paid vs. unpaid: evaluate your needs.
You’re always going to encounter people who frown upon unpaid internships. However, you may find the perfect position that meets all of your requirements that doesn’t include a salary. Negotiating your pay is always an option, but if you’re receiving support financially from another outlet such as a parent, an unpaid internship may be a great way to get experience and work your way toward a paid position. If you’re low on credit hours, course credit internships are always a great way to save tuition money while also getting career experience. Paid internships are often more difficult to obtain, but be sure to know the rate of pay before signing any contract. If you’re financially supporting yourself, then it may be wise to hold onto your job and wait for a paid internship to come your way.
4. Look to the future (I know, it’s easier said than done).
The phrase “just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” is one I feel ties into the realm of internships very closely. When applying for internships, think about how the skills you’ll gain while in that position will benefit your future. Interning at a construction company isn’t going to give you the experience you need as a future neuroscientist. Sometimes patience is essential in finding the right internship for you, but trust me, it’s worth it in the end. You may even get lucky and find your dream company while working as their intern!