Internships Give Students Valuable Work Experience For More Employment Opportunities
Many of us have seen the job postings out there for entry-level employment that still asks for previous work experience from job candidates. So, if you are a high school student, or a recent graduate of high school or college, you might wonder what ways are available for you to get the work experience you need to succeed. There are a few options… volunteer work, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and internships.
Internships, next to volunteer work, are the most abundant options for students and recent graduates to gain the work experience needed, for a strong start in today’s job market. In this article, we are going to explore four key ways internships can help with building a better professional and financial future.
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#1. Internships help build professional-level work experience for a stronger overall career trajectory.
Entering the job market with work experience already under your proverbial belt, in your chosen career field, can automatically qualify you for not only the entry-level jobs that are available… but it can also help fast-track you for the next level up. Wise career prep and development plans often include internships, as a way to get students and graduates into higher level career positions and job titles faster, which will then help them garner greater overall earnings. It is also estimated that 70% of companies offer interns full-time jobs, as well. And, internships have been shown to increase all job offers by up to 16%!
#2. Internships help you deepen your educational understanding of a career field through lived experiences.
You can’t truly understand a job, or a career path, without some actual lived experience in the field to draw upon. Internships give you the opportunity to explore the day-to-day realities of working in a particular job and/or professional field. This experience not only benefits individuals by beefing up their resumes, but it can also help students and recent graduates decide if a chosen career is actually right for them, in the long-term. Lived experiences give that deeper level of knowledge to educational experiences.
#3. Internships help you leverage your work experience for a higher starting salary in your next job.
The more experience and firsthand knowledge you have in a given job or career pathway, the more your worth is often calculated to be in resource evaluations, by potential employers. In a recent survey, approximately 40% of employers felt that new hires were not prepared for the workplace, so employers are definitely seeking candidates who already have proven work experience on a relevant job site. This typically translates into higher starting salaries and wages, which then provides a stronger start for a brighter financial future.
#4. Many internship opportunities today are also paid opportunities, so you can earn while you learn.
Unlike volunteer work options or job shadowing, many internships today are paid, so you can earn money while you gain critical work experience. Earning an income while you are learning can lessen any potential short or longer-term financial stresses. And, earning money for your work is also critically important for building up your self-esteem, too!
When it comes to deciding whether or not to take any internship position, students and recent graduates will want to weigh all the pros and cons of each individual opportunity that is being offered to them. There are many possible paths towards success these days, and the options seem to be ever-growing. Taking a high-level view of the entirety of an internship role, or other work experience options that you might be presented, is the best way to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future.
For more reading on a related topic, check out the latest tips on Balancing Work And High School, from a Stride Career Prep Success Coach!
Plus, if you are looking for an internship now, then you will also want to visit Stride's Internship Search Tool: https://www.stridelearning.com/career-prep/internships.html
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