4 answers
adrian
Student
Princeton, West Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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How should I ensure that I not only get an internship but that the internships will help me find a career?
How should I ensure that I not only get an internship but that the internships will help me find a career.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Adrian !
There is really nothing that can "ensure" that you get an Internship and Internships do not guarantee you a job afterward. You are not guaranteed because people are chosen for internships and it's up the the company to choose who they pick.
Internships are for students that have a basic understanding of the work and a couple of years of courses in the subject. Many colleges provide internships for students in their Junior and Senior year. Ask the college you will attend if they have internship placement as part of your particular major. Depending on your major, you can go right into employment once you have your degree.
While still in high school, you can do volunteer work. Any volunteer activity would be beneficial. You didn't state what your career interest is so I can't refer you to career specific volunteer work, but take active steps by visiting places that connect with the work you will pursue. Just being around the environment will provide insight and an opportunity to interact with people and sharpen your communication skills. You will get a realistic idea of the particular field of work.
It will be up to you to find your career. During an academic path, it will become evident as to how to start your career. You have to take things step by step and focus on first obtaining your college degree. People do not know their journey before they take it. Try to feel comfortable about taking it a step at a time and trust that you will learn the things necessary for your career.
Start going for orientations and tours at various colleges you have in mind. Visit your major subject department while there. This will help you get things into perspective and when you take things step by step you enjoy it more. There is always lots of opportunity through college, also. Everyone's experience is very different.
The best thing you can do as a college student is to maintain a high GPA, be active in volunteer work, projects, practicums, lab work if it applies to your major, and on and off campus major affiliated opportunities. Do a lot of networking and making professional contacts for possible future work. When asking for advice it's more helpful to you to mention what field of work you want to apply the advice to. Also sharpen interviewing skills because doing a good interview for a job can be very important.
I hope this gives insight and I wish you all the best !
There is really nothing that can "ensure" that you get an Internship and Internships do not guarantee you a job afterward. You are not guaranteed because people are chosen for internships and it's up the the company to choose who they pick.
Internships are for students that have a basic understanding of the work and a couple of years of courses in the subject. Many colleges provide internships for students in their Junior and Senior year. Ask the college you will attend if they have internship placement as part of your particular major. Depending on your major, you can go right into employment once you have your degree.
While still in high school, you can do volunteer work. Any volunteer activity would be beneficial. You didn't state what your career interest is so I can't refer you to career specific volunteer work, but take active steps by visiting places that connect with the work you will pursue. Just being around the environment will provide insight and an opportunity to interact with people and sharpen your communication skills. You will get a realistic idea of the particular field of work.
It will be up to you to find your career. During an academic path, it will become evident as to how to start your career. You have to take things step by step and focus on first obtaining your college degree. People do not know their journey before they take it. Try to feel comfortable about taking it a step at a time and trust that you will learn the things necessary for your career.
Start going for orientations and tours at various colleges you have in mind. Visit your major subject department while there. This will help you get things into perspective and when you take things step by step you enjoy it more. There is always lots of opportunity through college, also. Everyone's experience is very different.
The best thing you can do as a college student is to maintain a high GPA, be active in volunteer work, projects, practicums, lab work if it applies to your major, and on and off campus major affiliated opportunities. Do a lot of networking and making professional contacts for possible future work. When asking for advice it's more helpful to you to mention what field of work you want to apply the advice to. Also sharpen interviewing skills because doing a good interview for a job can be very important.
I hope this gives insight and I wish you all the best !
Pam Dunbar
Recruiting
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Pam’s Answer
Internships are a wonderful way to explore various types of work and build your professional skills in a supportive setting. Think of your internship as a stepping stone into your career. Even if you decide afterward to take a different path, the experience is still valuable. Internships help you grow your skills, make connections, and figure out if you want to continue in that field.
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
33
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Adrian,
Landing an internship is a great first step, but the real value comes from choosing opportunities that align with your long-term career goals. The key is to be intentional—not just about getting any internship, but about making sure each experience helps you build skills, connections, and clarity for your future.
1. Start with Self-Assessment:
*Clarify Your Career Interests: Even if you’re unsure of your exact path, identify industries or roles that excite you.
*List Skills You Want to Develop: Think about technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge.
2. Target the Right Internships
*Research Roles and Companies: Look for internships that match your interests and offer meaningful projects.
*Check Growth Potential: Does the company have a track record of hiring interns full-time?
3. Build a Strong Application Strategy
*Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and transferable skills.
*Leverage Career Services: Use resume reviews, mock interviews, and job boards provided by your college.
*Network Early: Connect with alumni, attend career fairs, and engage on LinkedIn.
4. Make Internships Count
*Set Learning Goals: Before starting, outline what you want to learn and achieve.
*Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from supervisors to improve and show initiative.
*Document Your Work: Keep a record of projects and accomplishments for your portfolio or resume.
*Build Relationships: Stay in touch with mentors and colleagues—they can open doors later.
5. Think Long-Term
*Reflect After Each Internship: Did it confirm your interest in the field or help you pivot?
*Stack Experiences Strategically: Each internship should add new skills or industry exposure.
Keep in my that by choosing roles that align with your goals, actively learning, and building relationships, you’ll turn each experience into a powerful asset for your professional journey.
Landing an internship is a great first step, but the real value comes from choosing opportunities that align with your long-term career goals. The key is to be intentional—not just about getting any internship, but about making sure each experience helps you build skills, connections, and clarity for your future.
1. Start with Self-Assessment:
*Clarify Your Career Interests: Even if you’re unsure of your exact path, identify industries or roles that excite you.
*List Skills You Want to Develop: Think about technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge.
2. Target the Right Internships
*Research Roles and Companies: Look for internships that match your interests and offer meaningful projects.
*Check Growth Potential: Does the company have a track record of hiring interns full-time?
3. Build a Strong Application Strategy
*Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and transferable skills.
*Leverage Career Services: Use resume reviews, mock interviews, and job boards provided by your college.
*Network Early: Connect with alumni, attend career fairs, and engage on LinkedIn.
4. Make Internships Count
*Set Learning Goals: Before starting, outline what you want to learn and achieve.
*Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from supervisors to improve and show initiative.
*Document Your Work: Keep a record of projects and accomplishments for your portfolio or resume.
*Build Relationships: Stay in touch with mentors and colleagues—they can open doors later.
5. Think Long-Term
*Reflect After Each Internship: Did it confirm your interest in the field or help you pivot?
*Stack Experiences Strategically: Each internship should add new skills or industry exposure.
Keep in my that by choosing roles that align with your goals, actively learning, and building relationships, you’ll turn each experience into a powerful asset for your professional journey.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Adrian. When you apply for internship, you need to make sure your resume and cover letter clearly show your strengths and why you want that specific internship. This helps employers see that you're serious. Also, you can talk to people who can guide you, such as professors, career advisors, alumni, or professionals.
Once you get an internship, you should make the most of it by being active and willing to learn. Ask for tasks that challenge you and pay attention to how things work in the workplace. Don't be afraid to ask questions as this shows that you care and want to improve. Try to do every task well, even small ones, because your work ethic can leave a strong impression.
Building relationships during your internship is also valuable. You can talk to your coworkers, ask for feedback, and learn from their experiences. These connections can help guide your career choices later on and may even help you find jobs in the future. Before the internship ends, you can also ask your supervisor for a reference and make note of your accomplishments.
After the internship, you need to take time to think about what you learned. Did you enjoy the work? What skills did you gain? What did you discover about yourself and your career interests? This reflection helps you decide what types of jobs you should look for next.
Once you get an internship, you should make the most of it by being active and willing to learn. Ask for tasks that challenge you and pay attention to how things work in the workplace. Don't be afraid to ask questions as this shows that you care and want to improve. Try to do every task well, even small ones, because your work ethic can leave a strong impression.
Building relationships during your internship is also valuable. You can talk to your coworkers, ask for feedback, and learn from their experiences. These connections can help guide your career choices later on and may even help you find jobs in the future. Before the internship ends, you can also ask your supervisor for a reference and make note of your accomplishments.
After the internship, you need to take time to think about what you learned. Did you enjoy the work? What skills did you gain? What did you discover about yourself and your career interests? This reflection helps you decide what types of jobs you should look for next.