The Top 5 Benefits Of Obtaining Internships While In College
In addition to scoring some nice swag, getting internships while you are still an undergraduate college student can improve your chances of finding career success upon graduation. This isn’t just our opinion, it’s the view of leading experts, and the finding of numerous research studies.
If you’re curious to understand why internships are so important, here are the top five ways that college internships give students an advantage at the start of their career.
Top 5 Benefits of Internships
Relevant work experience
Higher starting salary
Increased confidence
Improved career direction
It can lead directly to a job
Internship Benefit #1 - Relevant Work Experience
Internships provide students with valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field. While the work may not be exciting or high-level, that’s not the point. Most internships are designed to help students grow professionally. Interns get a rare opportunity to move beyond the classroom and learn from experts in their field.
This practical experience can give students a competitive edge when applying for entry-level positions because they already have a better understanding of the work and industry. In fact, a number of studies like this one from LinkedIn show a huge portion of entry-level positions require relevant work experience, and students without it won’t even be considered.
Internship Benefit #2 - Higher Starting Salary
Research has shown that college graduates with internship experience tend to command higher starting salaries compared to those without such experience. So paid internships don’t just help pad the savings account, they also increase annual wages, on average, by $3,096 within one year after graduation. When you consider the compounding effect of salary bumps and interest over the course of a career, this small amount translates to nearly one million dollars by retirement.
Internship Benefit #3 - Increased Confidence
In an increasingly competitive job market, students are feeling more pressure than ever to succeed and they know that having a relevant internship on their resume can be the difference maker. In this way internships do more than help a student stand out to potential employers. They also boost a student's confidence and readiness for the workforce, which translates into better interview performance.
Internship Benefit #4 - Improved Career Direction
Many students struggle to decide on a career path because they lack a clear understanding of the types of work available to them. After all, how can you know if you like something before you even try it? Internships solve this problem by giving students eal-world exposure to different roles and industries. The knowledge gained can help students clarify their preferences, and this translates directly to better career planning and more effective job searches.
Internship Benefit #5 - It Can Lead Directly To A Job
Many companies use internships as a recruitment pipeline. If an intern performs well during their internship, they may receive a job offer from the same company upon graduation. Alternatively, one of the professional contacts made during an internship may move to another company or department and reach out regarding a new opportunity down the road.
Internships Have Other Benefits, Too
These top five benefits of Undergraduate internships make a compelling case for why every student should do whatever they can to get an internship, or multiple internships if possible. But the advantages don’t stop here. College internships can also help with references, emotional intelligence and soft skills development, gaining perspective and possibly finding a lifelong mentor.
In summary, getting work experience through internships while in college may be the single most important step a student can take toward career success. For anyone facing this challenge, be sure to check out our companion article, 5 Resources To Help You Get An Internship In A Competitive Market.