Internships and everything you need to know about them, from an intern

- August 28, 2020

Back in the 80s & 90s, when our parents were done with their schooling-colleges and the hardships of walking for miles 'barefooted' to reach there, all they looked forward to was a stable 9-5 job that paid well and came with insurance.

Unlike us, they had very little options in terms of changing careers or aspiring to have the ideal one, most of our parents fell prey to capitalism and monotony. Today, we have the freedom to choose what we want and pursue our passions.

Internships play a very crucial role in bridging the gap between theory and practice, they are like the stepping stones towards your dream job. It's basically a job, but better because they are most of the time flexible and don't really have a fixed job description, which means you'll have space to explore and try new things to see what you feel better and comfortable doing. They can be paid or unpaid but let's just be real for a second, its 2020 and if you're not being paid for your efforts then you should probably reconsider.

Why should you opt for an internship?

- Because it's like a trailer to what you will be facing in a full-time job, it'll help you understand your interests and the challenges and work that come along.

-It gives you insights about the industry you're going to step in.

- Allows you to see if you fit in and if you feel comfortable with the work culture, environment and people.

How to apply?

There are several ways to get internships, you can approach companies directly via mail, check with your professors or it can happen through personal contacts as well, but the best way to get an internship that actually benefits you and fulfills your wants is to go out and research about the best companies in the particular field, learn about them and their work culture, It's basically stalking which we're all good at, but in this scenario, it's actually going to help you a lot. After researching, finalize at least 3-5 companies that suit your wants and then contact them via email, you might hear back from at least one of them if not all. Internship offers are also provided by placement officers in undergraduate and post-graduate institutions. Also, don’t forget to check with job portals and social media groups and online forums.

Interviews:

Internship interviews are generally much more laid back than job interviews, the company just wants to know if you're truly interested in the field and whether your skill sets are going to fit with their requirement.

Here are some general tips for both interviews and internships :

1) Make sure you research well about the organization, you don't want to look like you don't know what you're getting into.

2) Read and be thorough with the terms, conditions, job description and expectations of the internship and company.

3) Discuss your expectations, needs and interests. Try to be less nervous and have an open conversation.

4) Don't hesitate to ask questions and get all your doubts cleared.

5) If you are studying/working or have a primary responsibility, make sure you let the organization know and see if they are flexible with it and that you are on common grounds with them.

6) Be as serious and disciplined as you would be with a job, treat it that way.

7) Form attainable goals for yourself with a certain level of difficulty.

8) Don't hesitate to speak up/suggest/help/participate or ask.

9) Observe and listen, these are two tools with which you'll be learning more than actual projects and tasks.

Pros and Cons:

Pros -

1) You don't necessarily have to be belonging to the background of the field, having a strong interest and general idea is enough.

2) It will be highly favorable for your resume, knowledge, personality and skill set.

3) Its theory versus practical, you'll know where and how to apply the things you've learned at the heat of the moment.

4) You'll get to experience the operations, procedures, work environment and you'll have firsthand insights and opportunities to participate in various projects.

5) You'll be expanding your connections, learning interpersonal relations through social activities and events.

6) Working makes you more competent and productive any day and it is highly advisable to pre-occupy yourself and learn rather than wasting your free time.

Cons -

1) You might sometimes feel like you've been given tasks that are unrelated or you've got more potential to do something else, you might even feel like you're involvement is less needed around.

2) The internship might be unpaid.

3) You might face unfair or inferior behavior, if you do, be vocal about it.

4) You'll have a hard time getting along with everyone especially if you're an introvert because the job needs you to interact and express and be available at all times.

5) You may find it difficult managing your time around studies and other things that need your attention, you may feel overwhelmed with everything going on if the organization isn't flexible.