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Every day there are thousands of job searches, jobseekers are looking for attractive opportunities and big companies are looking for experienced candidates and this is the constant job market gap. One of the perfect ways to gain practical experience when you’re still a fresh graduate or even an undergraduate is by leveraging the power of Internships.
What is an Internship?
Most of the time, you may dream of a specific job title without knowing what is the exact job description for it in the real world. An internship is a perfect career exploration opportunity, you will be hired as an intern or trainee to work on a specific job, sometimes without pay or with monetary compensation. You will be able to gain work experience and know the requirements or desired skill sets for your potential career. This will help you form an idea about whether this is what you are looking for. You will also be exposed to different job cultures, and will be able to network with professionals and seniors and see how they think and work.
The Value of Internships
During college, you are usually absorbing knowledge, but to learn you need to apply this knowledge. Internships are a great opportunity to apply what you have learned to gain practical experience, and it is also a shortcut to getting a full-time job that you desire. It is also a win-win opportunity where you can attain professional experience while adding value to the company with your fresh mind.
Should You Seek an Internship?
As a college student or recent graduate preparing to enter the workforce, Internships can help you build your resume while showcasing your achievements. If you are looking for an opportunity in a growing company, or even if you are planning for a career shift, you can build your portfolio by getting an internship opportunity.
How to Get an Internship Opportunity?
- Determine Your Career Goals/ Interests: The first step is crucial, you need to know what you are looking for. You can determine the exact position or the field or industry of interest. The more specific you can be, the better you choose your opportunity.
- Build an Initial CV: Even if you are a fresh grad or still an undergrad, you need to build a job profile. You can list in it your skills and any activities, projects, or volunteer work that you engaged in. Make sure to list your qualifications and how you may add to the position you are applying for. Make your CV is personalized to the specific opportunity, not too general.
- Search for Potential Companies: Non-profit organizations and NGOs are always looking for volunteers, so you can start approaching them and request to join their team as an intern.
- Target the Summer Season: Many companies and agencies open summer internship programs every year. You need to be aware of this important season and make your plans to apply early.
- Focus on Networking: Attend Summits, job fairs, and events related to your field of interest and ask for the opportunities available. Being Proactive is essential in starting your career, and networking is key.
- Stay active on LinkedIn and social media: Try to search and apply for jobs on LinkedIn and join groups that are related to your interests. You can also apply on Facebook groups, using your name or using the anonymous feature available, you can easily create a post mentioning your skills and what you’re looking for. This is a perfect way to let recruiters know you are open for consideration.
- Never Hesitate to Apply: Focus on the positions that you are interested in and apply as much as you can. Don’t be afraid of approaching companies by email or through LinkedIn asking for internships.
Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Internships for Career Growth
To make the most out of your internship opportunity, you need to always be open to feedback to know your strengths and weak points. Internships will also offer you an opportunity to know how you can be better and will help you grow. You should also focus on learning from the people around you, take your time to learn, and focus on delivering quality work over quantity. Always remember that you are still starting and that even professionals make mistakes, so don’t be harsh on yourself and try to avoid fear or failure and self-doubt. You need to keep in mind that the internship opportunity can be an opportunity for a full-time offer, so try to do your best, understand the company culture, and maintain connections after your internship.
Launch Your Career at Think Marketing
If you are an aspiring marketer that values creativity and fresh ideas or a content writer that can effectively convey messages into powerful words, or an individual that has a passion for communication, networking, and learning, you are welcomed to apply to our Summer Internship Opportunities at our Sister Digital Marketing Agency, Think Marketing Lab. We actively seek and welcome fresh minds to join our dynamic digital marketing team.
If you are ready to start your digital marketing career, check the post below!
