Internships…. such an exciting but scary word. As college students, we are told that internships are important and often set us up to look better on our resumes.
But how do you find an “internship?”
Well…
This past week, I was able to experience my very first internship.
When I first started applying for internships, everything seemed impossible. It seemed impossible to find an internship that I would like, that’s in close distance, that’s related to my career goals, and all the other factors that weigh so heavy on one’s shoulders when making a decision. I was so relieved when I finally found a possible fit for my internship off of my college’s career services website. Once I applied, and actually got an interview, I was pleasantly surprised to actually get the internship!
How does it feel?
Nerve-wrecking! Getting an internship felt like a big accomplishment, but it always felt like a big commitment. I had to wonder how was I going to fit my internship in between my classes, my clubs and organizations, my nap times !? But thankfully, it all worked out great because I have an amazing supervisor that works with my schedule and allows me to put in the hours that I can truly dedicate, instead of requiring me to work a set number of hours. Now, I am not saying everyone’s experience with internships will be the same, but I can give advice about some things I learned about internships in general.
1. Be honest about your ability!
Now, I know we all like to sound like we know everything and not seem like we don’t have skills to possible employers, but it’s better to be honest in your application and interviews for possible internships. For example, my supervisor asked me if I had a certain skill during our interview. I told her no, but I knew people with those skills that could help me accomplish the task that I couldn’t do, and I am always willing to learn those skills myself. Of course, I was nervous because I had to admit one of my weaknesses, but it was better and more rewarding because my supervisor does not ask me to complete a task she knows I cannot do. And she is open to teaching me those skills that I lack.
Remember, internships are there for you to work skills you already have, but also to learn new skills!
2. Be honest about your mistakes!
So, again it sucks to admit when we are not “perfect,” but it is really important to be honest when you made a possible mistake while on the job. Another great example, and by the way this all happened the first day of my internship, I made a mistake when I was sent to the copy machine. When one of my supervisors first gave me a tour, the copy machine seemed simple to use, but once I went back to use it on my own, it was a different story. I stood at the copier for 15 minutes trying to get it to work, before I eventually just asked for help from an employee nearby. Once I was shown how to use the copier correctly, I was able to complete my task. Once I got back to my supervisor’s office, I told her about my mishap of not being able to work the copier correctly at first, and I thought she was going to be upset with me. Instead of being upset though, she laughed and said she understood, but she was glad I was able to complete my task. So, that is another reason why you must be honest on the job, because it may not be as bad as you think !
3. Even if the internship is not ideal, learn from it!
Now, I know that sometimes you may get an opportunity that is not exactly what you want to do or it doesn’t line up correctly with career goals, but I ask that you don’t count those opportunities out. Sometimes we can do internships that don’t relate in the way we want, but we are still able to learn new skills and grow from that position. At the least, if you do not enjoy the internship, you will know what you don’t like as far as career choices and that is just as important!
So, I hope that my experience with my internship so far has inspired you to take a chance and apply for one. Again, if you don’t land your dream internship, don’t fret! There is opportunity to grow and love from every internship, and if you stay true to yourself, then your experience will turn out great!