The Iglu Guide | Blog
Internships: How they can help with your future career
Internships are an important bridge between academic learning and professional employment, and can provide students with all the tools and experiences necessary to succeed in their future careers here in Australia. This temporary short-term placement is a supervised opportunity and differs from a work placement which may be offered as part of your course. Internships can last any length of time ranging from six weeks to six months, and can start at any time of year. Whether you know exactly what you want to do after university ends, or you’re still desperate thinking of ideas, internships are a great way to trial a potential career in a low-risk, high-reward environment. Here’s 6 reasons why.
1. Gain practical hands-on experience
Businesses are often looking to hire graduates who already have some professional experience on their resumé. Internships offer excellent hands-on experience in a real-world setting, allowing students to apply the theoretical classroom knowledge acquired during their studies. This practical exposure also gives insight into the day-to-day operations and behind the scenes practicalities, along with a deeper understanding of what really goes on beyond the classroom teaching. Additionally, students will have access to specialist resources that may never have been tried before such as specific software, machinery or design tools. And it’s not just about trying out the job, it’s also about experiencing new social and cultural settings and understanding how to work to your best abilities in pressured environments. Internships definitely add a big dose of reality to a career dream, and can also be a useful way of ruling options out, rather than ruling careers in. Getting a proper taste of the job is a great way to understand if it really is for you in the long term.
2. Build a professional network
Internships are a great opportunity to meaningfully connect with industry professionals, mentors, and peers. Building a robust professional network can lead to job referrals, career advice, and potential job offers into the future. Networking is a crucial part of your toolkit when entering the competitive Australian job market, and it can never start too soon. During an internship you’ll be working alongside industry professionals every single day that could be extremely valuable in your future career. There’s no better time to impress them with your skills and knowledge, and you may even leave with a recommendation for a job opportunity. As many jobs are filled through referrals and personal connections, networking is increasingly important in every way.
3. Learn from your mentors
Meeting experienced mentors that are prepared to share knowledge and experiences is a priceless jumpstart for your future career. Let’s not forget, internships are also a great way for businesses to spot talent, and they will be keen to nurture the right placements. Having an industry professional to lean on is a great way to benefit from insights that don’t come with classroom teachings, giving insight into industry challenges, potential opportunities you may not have known about or considered, and a clearer view of your chosen field. Mentors are also great for building confidence, increasing your industry awareness and widening your professional network.
4. Enhance employability
Employers often look for candidates that have relevant work experience as this shows a higher level of application, consideration and tenacity. It helps you stand out from the sea of applications that will be vying for every spot. Completing an internship demonstrates a student’s commitment to their chosen career, and enables you to showcase specific skills and knowledge that you have learnt in a professional setting. This can make you an extremely attractive candidate to a future employer and increases your chances of securing a job after graduation. The internship itself may well lead to recommendations and references – which may then transition to a permanent role. Make sure your resumé highlights all the projects, tasks and achievements that you gained during your internship as these demonstrate your capabilities to any potential employer. These will also give you a massive head start when it comes to integration and hitting the ground running.
5. Understand industry trends
Take the opportunity to really tune in during your internship as classroom learnings about a particular field can quickly become outdated. Internships expose students to the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies, keeping you well updated with current practices and strengthening your understanding of the field. It is a great way to guide your career goals and discover new routes that you might have been previously unaware of. Equally, you may spot an opportunity for growth that is emerging in a real time scenario. Understanding and evaluating particular trends and behaviours can give students a real competitive edge when looking for jobs with prospective employers. Always have a point of view on where you think the industry is moving to, and the drivers and pain points as you see them. A fresh perspective is highly valued!
6. Develop soft skills
In addition to technical skills, internships help students develop essential soft skills that are crucial to success in a professional setting. They will often tip the balance for employers when hiring candidates. Internships provide a structured environment that equip students with the expertise to manage real-world challenges, creating well-rounded professionals. Specific soft skills include:
- Communication skills – A familiarity with the requirements expected at formal meetings, in presentations and discussions and an understanding of the most appropriate way to convey ideas whether written or verbal
- Teamwork – Working on projects with colleagues teaches cooperation, collaboration and the importance of individual contributions
- Problem-solving – Internships hone your ability for critical and creative thinking and the ability to react in a real-time scenario
- Adaptability and flexibility – Students will be moving from one project to another demonstrating an ability to adjust when necessary
- Time-management – Meeting deadlines, balancing tasks and juggling demands are all part of the internship experience, starting with punctuality and attendance!
- Initiative – Internships demonstrate a willingness to learn and take on new challenges and responsibilities, such as leading new projects
- Networking – Internships are a great opportunity to broaden your professional network
- Professionalism – Learning how to behave in a professional environment is a key take-out from any internship such as workplace etiquette, ethical behaviours and respectful interactions
