The Value Of Internships In Job Search
22/06/14
Trying to find a graduate job can be a frustrating cycle. It feels like every role you apply for goes to someone with ‘more experience’. Eventually, you may find yourself asking ‘how am I supposed to get experience in the first place?’ It’s a cycle I went through for months before looking at other options, and that’s when I discovered internships.
Before completing my first internship I had applied for around 60 jobs. Of those applications I was invited to five interviews. For me, interviewing as a graduate felt like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle that was missing a piece.
As graduates we have our university folio which shows an understanding of what we’ve learnt and we may have casual work experience. What we are lacking is something to show that we can put what we’ve learnt at University into practice in a workplace.
Completing an internship gives you the link. The work you complete during an internship provides you with examples of how you are able to apply what you’ve learnt at University to come up with business solutions. A big advantage is that it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the tangible results of your work. It moves the conversation from grades to real outcomes. In an interview situation it means when you are asked to “Provide an example of a time you have shown initiative” You will have an answer that shows you are able to use what you have learnt in the classroom to get results for your future employer.
As well as being a fantastic learning experience, an internship is also a great networking tool. You are in regular contact with professionals who have careers in the industry you want to break into. An internship is the perfect way to get a relevant referee who can verify that that you have the skills and experience to be an asset.
Internships are a great way to remove any doubt about whether or not you are able to perform as a professional. So when I found myself looking for work again I did not hesitate to use that downtime to find another internship to strengthen my CV, build on my skills and put myself in a better position to find work.
Looking for an internship? Find out how to get your first step into the door of the working world with our Work Integrated Learning Programs.
