A common misconception is that internships are reserved for current university students. However, internships are a valuable tool for graduates to acquire work experience before they apply for a graduate program or graduate position. This article will explore the benefits of doing an internship as a graduate.
Why to do an internship as a graduate?
A graduate may feel that completing an internship is the appropriate next step after graduating. This may be because you are uncertain about working in a particular industry or the career opportunities it can present and wish to gain some practical experience before committing to a graduate program. An internship allows you to gain experience that you may not have had the opportunity to acquire during university. It also delays your entry into full-time employment, allowing you to explore your career options. You are also provided with the opportunity to network with professionals in your industry and make connections before seeking a graduate position. Internships are also not time-restrictive. They usually last for only a few months, meaning that your entry into the workforce is not overly delayed. However, internships are typically unpaid so it is important for you to first consider your financial situation before committing to forgoing full-time employment to pursue an internship.
Ultimately, internships, regardless of whether you are a graduate or a university student, are valuable opportunities for learning, practical experience, and professional growth within an industry.
What are some benefits of interning as a Graduate?
Whether an internship is beneficial for you as a graduate will depend on your individual situation. However, here is a list of the advantages of interning as a graduate.
Networking
Interning allows you to work alongside experienced professionals in your industry or occupation of choice. These professionals typically supervise, teach, and mentor graduates. By working closely alongside them for several months, you are able to develop valuable and long-lasting connections that can lead to future job opportunities and aid in your career progression. You may also receive an offer of employment once your internship ends.
Industry Knowledge
An internship provides you with valuable first-hand experience and knowledge about the industry of your choice. By observing other experienced industry professionals, you gain valuable knowledge about the duties and obligations of work in a specific role or industry. You also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from these professionals, placing you in an advantageous position for your first graduate position.
Experience
An internship provides you with the opportunity to build upon your theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This allows you to develop the skills required to complete the particular responsibilities of a role. An internship is therefore impressive on a resume when applying for a graduate position or graduate program as it demonstrates to the graduate recruiter that you have the necessary skills to effectively complete the requirements of a role and be an asset to the company. As graduates tend to have limited employment history, an internship also allows you to stand out amongst other applicants as it demonstrates your work experience.
Not ready for workforce
After graduating from university, you may be uncertain or not ready for entering the workforce in full-time employment. While some graduates in a similar position may choose to take a gap year, a more productive alternative is to do an internship. This allows you to not join the workforce but avoid the feeling that you are wasting time.
Explore your options
You may have completed a double degree at university, or had several areas of interest. An internship allows you to explore an industry or field to determine whether it is the right fit for you for a full-time career. You may find that you have passion for something that you may not have originally considered pursuing a career in.
How to get an internship as a graduate?
Here are some tips to follow when applying for an internship as a graduate.
Consider whether an internship is right for you
Before you begin searching or applying for internships, it is important to first consider whether an internship is right for you. This means reflecting on whether you believe you need to be a better candidate for graduate programs and graduate roles and what an internship can provide you with. You may realise that you actually do not need an internship and already have an impressive resume for graduate programs and roles and a solid understanding of your career goals. You may also realise what kind of internship you are looking for. Perhaps you are looking for an internship that includes more practical responsibilities, or maybe you are looking for an internship where you can ‘shadow’ and receive mentorship from an experienced professional. Careful consideration will allow you to better understand your needs so that you can pursue the right internship for you.
Research
Research the different internships available in your field of interest. This can be by searching for particular companies that you are interested in interning for and visiting their websites for information. If you are looking for a specific type of internship, perhaps one that focuses on a particular skill or utilises a certain method of teaching, tailor your search accordingly. You can also find a comprehensive list of internships currently seeking applicants to apply for on our website. You can check social media for opportunities, such as looking on LinkedIn. You can also ask any friends, classmates, or teachers if they know of any opportunities.
If there is a specific company that you are interested in working for, but they have yet to advertise any internship opportunities, you can send an expression of interest. This can communicate your interest in interning for them and allow you to remain front of mind if any opportunities open up in the future.
Write your resume and cover letter
Ensure that your resume and cover letter are tailored specifically to each internship you apply to. This is important as different internships might have different requirements and selection criteria that you must directly address to progress to the next stage of the application process. They might also require varying educational or employment details. While composing your resume, also find 2-3 references to include. You can ask previous or current supervisors, professors, or anyone that can attest to your work ethic and skills to be a reference for you. Ensure that you get their permission first and inform them about the internships that you have applied for so if they are contacted they can tailor their response to the specific requirements of each internship.
Apply
Apply to as many internships as you can within your field of interest. Rejection is a natural part of being a graduate, so it is good to keep your options open. The more applications you make, the more likely you are to be successful for one of them!