Internships Can Help Students Choose a Career Path

Many students look at deciding on a career path in a similar way to choosing a snack from a vending machine. They simply consider all of the options behind the glass, pick one, and hope it satisfies them.

But choosing a career doesn't have to be hit or miss. While school coursework can provide an idea of whether a specific area of study will be the right fit, hands-on experience can be the extra reinforcement needed. This is why career counselors frequently mandate that students participate in internships or co-op opportunities as part of graduation requirements.

Internships are structured work experiences offered by participating companies and organizations. Their goal is to give students an idea of the real working world and allow them to see how information acquired during class is readily applied to the business environment. Typically, internships allow students to better understand the differences between various jobs and functions within organizations and how a company operates on a day-to-day basis.

Usually, students are approved for internship credits by a career or guidance counselor. The internship can be performed on a full- or part-time basis and the student will be issued credits accordingly. Typically, there is no compensation other than credits toward coursework.

Internships can be instrumental to students who are not sure if a certain career path is right for them. By participating in the daily activities essential to this type of employment (and not just the busy work of faxing, e-mailing and running errands that many interns must endure), they can clearly see if this is something that can provide a fulfilling career. Many times, through internships, students learn they are not happy with an occupation and take steps to find other courses that offer a new direction. Without the benefit of the internship, graduates may have gotten stuck in a career that doesn't challenge or interest them much.

Guidelines When Choosing Internships

1. Research the school's internship policy. Internships may be restricted to either junior or senior year with a limit set on the number of internship credits allowed.

2. Most schools have a listing of pre-approved companies and organizations that can host interns. Participating companies often must meet a list of requirements and prove that they will comply with school regulations. However, if there is a place you would like to intern that is not on the list, see if you can facilitate the approval of this company.

3. The internship location and internship advisor at the business become your classroom and professor away from campus. The same behavior and work ethic you apply to your schoolwork should be carried through when interning. Also remember that you are a representative of the school, so poor behavior could negatively impact the company's willingness to host interns in the future.

4. Try to do two internships in various areas of your coursework. For example, if you are majoring in communication arts -- a wide area of study -- select a public relations firm and perhaps a local newspaper as possible internships so you can decide what fits your personality better.

5. Network, network, network. Many interns go on to work at the companies where they completed their internships. Internships can be the foot in the door needed to get into the business world. Keep an eagle eye out on all networking opportunities and use the internship as your chance to show the company and any people with whom they do business what you are capable of achieving.

With so many recent graduates -- and laid-off workers -- vying for the same positions in this saturated job market, an internship where you acquired practical experience could just be the edge you need to stand out from other applicants.