What are the benefits of an internship?

Gaining valuable professional experience

One of the main benefits of an internship is for you to gain professional experience in a specific field or a career path you want to advance on. Internships provide the opportunity to hone your existing skills and learn new ones. Internships are often used as stepping stones to gaining full-time positions in a particular industry. This is perhaps their biggest benefit.

Internships are an opportunity to network

Another huge benefit of an internship is that it gives you the chance to network in your industry. This is the case within the company you are interning with, but you might also be able to attend different industry-related events that open you up to other professionals and companies in that same industry. Growing contacts is essential to most professions.

Chance to build your resume

If you are still in college or freshly out of college, an internship represents a great chance for you to build your resume. With an internship, you can start to develop your professional experience section. This way employers can review your professional experience, in addition to your academic history and accomplishments.

Internships provide career exploration

An internship is a great way for you to determine if a particular field or industry is right for you. Because it is temporary you are not fully committed to the role and can choose to shift career paths after its completion, if necessary.

Internships help you build confidence

Being an intern allows you to put your knowledge and skills to the test. This can help you gain confidence in your professional abilities. After completing an internship you are likely to feel ready to take on a full-time professional role.

Gaining great professional references

Internships can also be used for professional references for future prospective jobs in your field. Especially when just starting, your potential employer will want to check in with any relevant sources to find out about your characteristics, work ethic, and skills. By performing your internship to the best of your ability you enable the opportunity for great references.

Your internship could turn into a full-time job

If you do exceptionally well while completing your internship, the company might consider hiring you for a full-time position. This is often the best-case scenario as it saves you from having to dive into the job market and its competition. Companies tend to like hiring interns because they know what they are capable of and how they can bring value to their teams.

Internships encourage personal growth

Being an intern often requires you to step outside your comfort zone and develop new skills. This helps you grow professionally and personally.