Wondering if you should go to the Internship Hop (I-Hop)? Here are eight reasons to check out the internship possibilities!
1.) Gain experience
Not only is an internship a great experience to list on your resume, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen field.
2.) Test out a career field
One of the most valuable parts of an internship is deciding what you like (and don’t like) about a particular job or field. An internship is a short-term opportunity that gives you a chance to test drive career areas. One of my own best career experiences was having a short-term position as an EMT — because I realized that it was a job that did not suit me. I was so relieved to learn that it wasn’t a good fit early on, rather than after I spent time, energy, and money on more training!
3.) Earn credit
UVM has multiple ways that students can earn credit for internships. Check out our website to learn more: http://www.uvm.edu/~career/?Page=internships.html
4.) Develop professional skills
Having on-the-job experience means that you get to use the tools, technology, and protocols of that company or industry. These skills can help you as you begin your job search.
5.) Create contacts for your network
You never know who will be your future employer — or who might introduce you to your future employer down the line. The contacts you make during your internship can be invaluable for breaking into that particular field.
6.) Build confidence
The truth is, once you’ve done something, you will have the confidence to know that you can do it again. When you sit down for an interview as a recent grad, you will be able to look the interviewer in the eye and say, “Yes, I DO have experience doing this kind of work — and I’ve gotten good at it.”
7.) Apply your knowledge in a hands-on way
You may have learned the theory and frameworks of a certain subject, and an internship gives the opportunity to actually put that theoretical knowledge into practice.
8.) Make an impact
You may think of interns being assigned routine entry level work, but often interns tackle challenging projects that require an extra set of hands (or an additional head) to complete. Interns can even have a true, meaningful impact on the world around them. As an example, check out Gabe the Intern, who helped save a gay couple from being separated by deportation minutes after the DOMA decision was issued. Meaningful internships in Vermont can include work with any number of change-making organizations. The United Way currently lists over 300 opportunities in Chittenden County: volunteer.truist.com/chittenden/volunteer/
Need some resources to get started? Come to the Internship Hop on October 16th from 1:30-4:00 p.m. in the Career Center, Living & Learning E Building, and check out these 6 Strategies to Find Your Summer Internship. At the I-Hop, you can browse our resources, connect with career counselors for a personalized internship search, check out listings, and see where other UVM students have done internships. The Job Fair on October 30th will be another great opportunity to find an internship by talking to employers.
Make this the year you get career experience by doing an internship!
~Amanda
