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How valuable are internships, really?

I have the opportunity to be an intern at the Cleveland Clinic - a Laboratory Medicine internship. I'm hoping to someday be either a Geneticist or a Research Scientist in Biology, so you can see how this internship is relevant. Also, I hope to go to Case Western Reserve University, so this internship could open many doors for me.
The problem I have, though, is transportation. I do not have my license yet, and as one of a large family, my mom is unable to drive me around sometimes, because of the needs of many younger siblings.
So I wonder: Is this internship worth it? If it would be a hassle to get there and back?
Or is it maybe not of such importance - something I could do without?
I'm very unsure and welcome any and all feedback! #internships #student #first-job

student internships first-job
Thank you comment icon I have just finished a 1-month internship without pay and due to the schedule, I was also unable to work part-time so I did not make any money the entire time I was doing my internship but I do not regret my decision. On the contrary, I think the sacrifices I made are worth it. I truly enjoyed my internship. I learned a lot about the daily operations, the challenges of the job and also about myself, how I handle stress, multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, operating w/o the necessary tools and performing in an unfamiliar situation. It has been an eye-opening experience and I believe I am all the more stronger for it. Good luck! Sheila
Thank you comment icon Hey Sheila, thanks for your answer! I'm glad you enjoyed your internship. It's always helpful to hear about something from another student's perspective. I'll definitely consider these things while I work through this. You were a great help! While we're "talking"... was there anything you disliked about your internship, or anything you wish you would have known going in? Thanks! Rosa
Thank you comment icon Internships are very important for future jobs that you may want to apply to get experience . In addition you can be sure that this for sure a field that you want to pursue a career in. Rachel
Thank you comment icon Good point, Rachel. Thanks! Rosa
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Kelsey’s Answer

Internships are VERY important. If you can make the logistics happen I would highly recommend accepting the internship. It's the best way to get experience that you will need on your resume when applying for jobs. It's also a great chance to get hands on experience to see if this is the type of career you want to dedicate years of studying to.
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Connor’s Answer

Hi there - I would also add that doing internships helps you identify not only what you like, but what you don't like (equally as valuable, that way you don't get into a full time job that you end up hating).
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john’s Answer

We all know that internship provides real life experiences and exposure. It allows students to harness the skill, knowledge, and theoretical concepts they learnt in university. If you have done your internship seriously, you will surely get an edge over the other students
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Nakshatra’s Answer

Internships are very important both for the organizations and as well as Interns.

Advantages for Organizations:

  1. Identify potential talent and invite fresh outside-in perspective
  2. Test individuals on ground before making a final hiring decision
  3. Create pipeline of talent for future hiring needs
  4. Build Organizational brand among university students
  5. At times organizations also offer long term internships assignment if they have short term project needs that helps in saving costs (vs. hire someone full time)

Advantages for Interns:

  1. Identify potential organizations they want to work with in the future
  2. Explore culture, people and organizational mission/values and fit to their career aspirations
  3. Paid internships help in alleviating the educational cost burden
  4. Build professional network and identify career coaches to seek career advices
  5. Gain professional experience required to prep for actual full time job

Nakshatra recommends the following next steps:

Identify potential companies/organizations that offer internship programs
Reach out to their recruiting team to understand the internship hiring process
Prepare for interviews, research about organizations in terms of what they do, their mission and how does your skillset fit the internship project requirements
During the internship, maximize on learning -be it a process or strategy or technical skills and along with delivering at your best...
Build network, reach out to people if you need help and speak up your mind if you have new ideas...never underestimate the power of new ideas
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