By Claire Grigge/reporter
Students learned how internships can help them prepare for careers while gaining life skills at a NE career services presentation Oct. 18.
Career services staff member Vishal Patel helped students understand the steps they should take to help locate and obtain internships that align with their career goals during the presentation.
While internships are not a necessity for being hired, they are useful for gaining hands-on experience and exposing students or recent graduates to job elements in their field, Patel said.
“Students who are pursuing specific degrees with very specific skillsets, those are the ones who are going to benefit the most from internships. Internships are useful to figure out what you like,” she said.
Students can look for internships during the school year or during summer months, but career services recommends looking for an internship three to five months in advance because companies appreciate proactive applicants, Patel said.
“Aim for startups or small businesses in fields related to yours,” Patel said. “Websites like LinkedIn and WayUp aid in one’s search for nearby positions.”
Internships can last as long as one week to several months, and interns should develop a strong relationship with their mentors or bosses.
At the end of the internship, interns should ask for recommendation letters they can use for future academic and career opportunities, Patel said.
“I would say this, if you take anything away from this, volunteering, part-time jobs, any experience, even if it’s not paid, it’s worth it,” she said.
