In a crowded job market, even landing an internship isn’t easy. While it may be tempting to take the first offer that drops into your inbox, it’s not always the wisest decision. Not every internship is going to suit your specific needs; after all, taking on an internship is usually a tactical step towards securing a full-time role in your industry of choice.
So whether you’re looking for internships in London, New York, or Tokyo, it’s important to remain mindful of your long-term career goals and how an internship can place you on the path to success. So here are four key things to look for in an internship.
A Mentorship Program
Guidance and insight from mentors can be vital as you progress along your career, so it’s a good idea to ensure that your internship offers some sort of mentorship program. Most large companies that offer internships also have mentorship programs, but you can ask for details during your interview.
Ideally, your program will give you some access to higher-level management; this communicates that your prospective firm is serious about offering a helping hand to their junior employees. Soak up as many tips and as much guidance from your colleagues as you can; it’ll give you a competitive advantage when you strike out on your own.
Happy Employees
If you can, speak with employees at the company where you’re considering an internship. Are they happy with their work? Are they excited and fired-up by the opportunities that come their way? The answers to these questions will help you work out whether the work environment is positive and progression-focused.
Interning for a firm with widespread dissatisfaction is a recipe for disaster. If you can’t access employees directly, look at employee reviews to help you determine the company culture; Glassdoor is a good place to start.
A Chance To Apply Your Skills
Look for an internship role that will allow you to apply the skills you’ve already learned in school or previous training. This will help validate your career choice and allow you to test the waters of your chosen industry. You don’t want to choose an internship that doesn’t directly relate to your existing skills, qualifications and aspirations.
At its heart, an internship should be a platform from which to kickstart your career; so take on a role that allows you to exercise your skills and build up a portfolio of work and experience that you can use when applying for future roles.
A Sense of Community
Interning, especially in a foreign city, can be a lonely business. While you’ll probably build strong relationships with your colleagues, sometimes you just want people of your own age and career level to kick back with.
An internship program that offers some sort of community program – be it a community of current interns or connections to existing alumni – can help lighten the load that comes with beginning a brand-new job. Having friends around you will ensure you’ve got the support you need – and your working life will improve as a result.
Bottom line
An internship can be an excellent bridge between your education and your full-time career, but only if you choose wisely. Keep these tips in mind as you search for an internship to ensure you find the best opportunity to help you meet your career goals.
If you’d like to find out more about Beyond Academy’s range of internship opportunities, why not head along to their website and see if they offer the right internship for you?