In today’s job market, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree can be the first step to a successful career. However, many employers look for students who have held internships or co-ops during their collegiate experience because employers understand the value they bring. Below are 3 reasons why internships are so important for today’s college student.
- Internships can help students identify career paths- Internships allow students to see whether or not a career fits with their passion and interest. Sometimes the internship will foster the conclusion that the chosen career path is not what they had expected. However, in many cases, it can lead to a greater understanding of the field and assist with the development of skills marketable for their chosen career path.
- Competition is high- In a global job market, competition can be quite steep, so obtaining a real world work experience such as an internship or coop can allow a student to become a more qualified candidate.
- Internships can build connections within a career field- Through interning students can build their professional network which can be invaluable in today’s job search. When starting a job search, it’s important to know that 80% of jobs are found through networking. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2008 Experiential Education Survey, employers reported hiring 70% of their interns.
This Thursday, October 20th Career Services will host our annual Internship Hop (I-Hop) from 1pm-4pm in Living Learning E.
~Danielle