The Impact of Early Internships on Career Readiness
Introduction
- The article discusses the significance of early internships in shaping career readiness for students.
- Contextual background: Despite a low unemployment rate, it is crucial for students to gain work readiness skills early.
Key Points
Importance of Early Career Exploration
- Encourages students to test drive careers they are interested in.
- Provides professional work experience and valuable insights.
- Helps in deciding if a particular career path or major is suitable for the student.
Experience-Based Work
- Many internships for juniors and seniors focus on recruitment.
- Early, experience-based internships are vital for learning without the pressure of securing a job.
- Such internships help students develop career readiness skills identified by NACE, including core competencies needed for workplace success.
Internships in a Virtual and Hybrid Workforce
- The shift to remote work has normalized virtual internships.
- Virtual internships allow students to develop digital communication and organizational skills.
- Benefits for students: independence, improved communication skills, adaptability.
- Benefits for employers: less direct supervision needed, flexibility in work hours, and utilization of students' comfort with technology.
Likelihood of Future Success
- Internship experience is a common requirement for entry-level positions.
- Internships increase the number of job offers for college graduates.
- Students with internship experience are more likely to be considered for full-time positions.
Networking and Building Connections
- Internships provide opportunities for networking, an essential part of employability.
- Networking accounts for over 85% of open positions being filled.
- Students are encouraged to build online professional profiles and engage on platforms like LinkedIn.
Conclusion
- Early internships play a crucial role in equipping students with necessary career readiness skills.
- They provide insights, practical experience, and networking opportunities that enhance employability and adaptability to workforce changes.
References
By Robin Clebnik, Founder and Chief Internship Officer of InternWorks.
Article category: Career Planning, College Admissions Advising
Published in Summer 2022.