Page 21 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 21
iStudy
2019/20
21
Internships
Pros
Internships are usually short-term positions within
an organisation lasting anywhere from a couple of
weeks to several months, often taking place around
undergraduate study as a full-time role over the holidays
or part-time during term. The aim of an internship is to
allow the applicant to dip their feet into the industry,
gaining first-hand experience and playing a role in
the day-to-day operations of the firm. Internships can
be paid or unpaid, with the former often being highly
competitive for places.
Cons
Internships offer young people a hands-on
involvement in the firm to prepare them for a
future career in the field. Interns are equipped
with key skills for the role and a familiarity
that will make the transition into work far
more seamless.
For certain areas of work, an internship can
be a useful stepping stone as it allows you to
build a recognisable portfolio of work within a
professional environment that can then be used
to score positions and contracts in the future.
Whilst undertaking the position, interns have the
opportunity to network and build contacts within
the firm. This is particularly beneficial for young
people, as they will be able to exchange ideas with
senior employees and further immerse themselves
in the field.
Successful internships where the intern excels
within the organisation can sometimes result in
the offer of a permanent position. Interns moving
on can at the very least expect a reference that will
be beneficial in their forthcoming job hut.
Some internships are unpaid and this can create
a heavy financial burden for young people.
Interns in unpaid positions will likely have to
take up part-time employment or cut costs
elsewhere by moving in with parents in order to
sustain themselves.
Positions for internship can be highly competitive
due to the vast number of undergraduates seeking
this form of work, and this is especially the case
with paid positions. Applicants may have to search
extensively before landing their desired role.
Unfortunately, some employers may abuse
the purpose of the internship by viewing the
intern as an expendable unit of labour and
dumping them with menial tasks to complete
rather than supporting them with a useful
learning experience.
Top Tip:
Make use of all your resources when
searching for an internship. Universities will
advertise positions with their partners on
campus and online, and there are a host of
recruitment websites available to browse
internships in your area.
Top Tip:
Once you’re in the door, prove your
enthusiasm! Be curious, ask questions to help
illuminate your job and the industry, be the
first one in and last one out and you may be
rewarded for your efforts.
2019/20
21
Internships
Pros
Internships are usually short-term positions within
an organisation lasting anywhere from a couple of
weeks to several months, often taking place around
undergraduate study as a full-time role over the holidays
or part-time during term. The aim of an internship is to
allow the applicant to dip their feet into the industry,
gaining first-hand experience and playing a role in
the day-to-day operations of the firm. Internships can
be paid or unpaid, with the former often being highly
competitive for places.
Cons
Internships offer young people a hands-on
involvement in the firm to prepare them for a
future career in the field. Interns are equipped
with key skills for the role and a familiarity
that will make the transition into work far
more seamless.
For certain areas of work, an internship can
be a useful stepping stone as it allows you to
build a recognisable portfolio of work within a
professional environment that can then be used
to score positions and contracts in the future.
Whilst undertaking the position, interns have the
opportunity to network and build contacts within
the firm. This is particularly beneficial for young
people, as they will be able to exchange ideas with
senior employees and further immerse themselves
in the field.
Successful internships where the intern excels
within the organisation can sometimes result in
the offer of a permanent position. Interns moving
on can at the very least expect a reference that will
be beneficial in their forthcoming job hut.
Some internships are unpaid and this can create
a heavy financial burden for young people.
Interns in unpaid positions will likely have to
take up part-time employment or cut costs
elsewhere by moving in with parents in order to
sustain themselves.
Positions for internship can be highly competitive
due to the vast number of undergraduates seeking
this form of work, and this is especially the case
with paid positions. Applicants may have to search
extensively before landing their desired role.
Unfortunately, some employers may abuse
the purpose of the internship by viewing the
intern as an expendable unit of labour and
dumping them with menial tasks to complete
rather than supporting them with a useful
learning experience.
Top Tip:
Make use of all your resources when
searching for an internship. Universities will
advertise positions with their partners on
campus and online, and there are a host of
recruitment websites available to browse
internships in your area.
Top Tip:
Once you’re in the door, prove your
enthusiasm! Be curious, ask questions to help
illuminate your job and the industry, be the
first one in and last one out and you may be
rewarded for your efforts.
