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Why internships matter for students

By Haley Jones

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Internships are increasingly important for landing a job after graduation because the number of jobs fell in 41 states, according to a report from the Labor Department last month. A declining economy with fewer job openings makes experience vital in a job search. Because of this, Erin Wolfram, assistant director of the University Career Center, said work experience is important for all students.

She said companies were taking a closer look at resumes that included “experiential education.” Experiential education includes volunteering, job shadowing, interning, attending conferences and joining professional associations.

“All of those things together make students more successful,” she said. “The more experience they can get, the better.”

Wolfram said students should remember that internships are competitive. She said having an updated resume, knowing how to interview and having a cover letter prepared before applying would give students a head start.

1. THE ENTITLEMENT SYNDROME

Remember: You’re still just an intern. It’s never acceptable to come in late, take two-hour lunches or pretend like you own the place.

2. NO FLIP-FLOPPING AT THE OFFICE

Business casual does not mean casual. Don’t assume sleeveless or un-tucked shirts are allowed. If in doubt, dress conservatively.

3. FORGETTING TO UNPLUG

Sending intermittent texts or listening to your iPod while working rarely goes over well with a potential employer.

4. BEING A WALLFLOWER

Don’t be shy. Make eye contact when speaking with someone. Good interpersonal communication skills might set you apart from the next guy.

5. DUCKING THE EXTRACURRICULARS

Don’t avoid social gatherings or get-togethers. That tells the boss you don’t value what the company values. Plus, it’s often the best way to get to know co-workers.

6. GRUNTING ABOUT GRUNT WORK

Don’t whine about making copies or the coffee every morning. Mundane tasks await you at every level of employment, so just do it with a smile.

7. MISSING THE BIG PICTURE

Think beyond the task at hand. This will help work be more enjoyable and give you a broader understanding of the industry.

8. FAILING TO ASK QUESTIONS

Asking questions shows your intellectual curiosity and saves you valuable time and energy. Your boss does not expect you to be an expert by the second day of your internship.

9. REJECTING CRITICISM

Seek out feedback on a regular basis. Over-confident interns make a bad impression and miss opportunities to improve.

10. WASTING TIME

Be proactive. If you don’t have anything to do, you’re not doing enough.

“You want to make a good impression so you can use that internship as a solid recommendation when you go in to apply for a job after graduating,” she said.

Wolfram suggested that students looking for internships complete informational interviews, which include asking industry professionals their advice for students seeking internships.

Kendall Rooney, Olathe senior, completed an internship with Ruder Finn, a public relations agency, last summer. At the end of the internship, her supervisor told her she could return to the company after graduation. She said she was relieved, considering the state of the economy.

“I was in shock and very grateful to have an offer like that from such an amazing company,” she said.

Rooney said her internship was vital in helping her develop professionally and personally. She said the secret to her internship success was actively seeking out responsibility. She said when she would complete her assigned work, she would ask everyone in the office if there was anything she could do to help them.

“Of course I got stressed because I didn’t want to fail,” she said. “But to me it was a good stress because they were giving me more responsibilities, so I felt privileged to have that stress.”

Laura Swick, McPherson senior, is doing a practicum at the Hope House For Battered Women in Independence, Mo., to fulfill her social welfare graduation requirements. Swick said it was helpful to be able to apply everything she learned in class at her internship.

“It’s not like I’m learning a concept I’ll never use,” she said. “It’s something I use now, and I can see how eventually I will use it for my real job as well.”

— — Edited by Lauren Keith

Comments

cb799 (anonymous) says...

Internships are definitely a great way to both earn experience and learn a lot of concepts in the actual setting. I have recently signed up to a student resume network at nuresume.com where I feature my free online resume and get contacted by prospective employers.

November 19, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

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