2008 Woodie Awards
Jump start a career interning
Adria Eichner
Issue date: 4/19/05 Section: Features
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One of the biggest fears of every graduating college student is not getting that first real job or having to settle for one that is far below what was expected. With the large number of students graduating every year, the job market is becoming more and more competitive. Many companies are flooded with resumes of possible applicants, and a basic college degree is often not enough to land a desirable position. However, what if there was something on a resume that could make it stand out above the rest?
That "something" that can make this dream a reality is the experience of an internship. An internship gives students the opportunity to work for a company or organization while learning the skills that are necessary to perform a specific job. Students also get a chance to assist current employees with day-to-day tasks.
Often times, the intern will work with a supervisor or an internship coordinator who will help the student identify key skills and correct any possible mistakes. There are internships for almost any type of major, and the companies that offer these opportunities are usually more then happy to have the help. In turn, the student gets a rare chance to enrich their college experience with real world situations and problemsolving skills.
Some of these pre-graduation jobs are paid while others simply provide a good resume booster. The extra effort of obtaining and completing an internship can pay off in a big way. Sometimes an internship may even turn into a job offer upon completion. This is not a guarantee, but if a student proves that they are a hard worker and an asset to a company, it is a definite possibility.
Many faculty members and campus leaders encourage the use of internships to not only strengthen a resume, but also to broaden a studentʼs learning experience. Dr. Dennis Klinzing, chair of the Department of Communications stated this when asked about the importance of an internship: "First and foremost, the professional and personal benefits a student gains from being in a work environment with a supervisor or mentor are essential." He went on to describe the tremendous opportunity and how to apply what is learned in the classroom to a real world setting. There is also the opportunity to make important contacts that could be crucial in securing a job position in the future. The satisfaction of achieving success in a business environment is a great achievement for students as well. Dr. Klinzing has approved and monitored the internships of many Communication students, and he knows that these opportunities can really provide a great basis for future career plans.
That "something" that can make this dream a reality is the experience of an internship. An internship gives students the opportunity to work for a company or organization while learning the skills that are necessary to perform a specific job. Students also get a chance to assist current employees with day-to-day tasks.
Often times, the intern will work with a supervisor or an internship coordinator who will help the student identify key skills and correct any possible mistakes. There are internships for almost any type of major, and the companies that offer these opportunities are usually more then happy to have the help. In turn, the student gets a rare chance to enrich their college experience with real world situations and problemsolving skills.
Some of these pre-graduation jobs are paid while others simply provide a good resume booster. The extra effort of obtaining and completing an internship can pay off in a big way. Sometimes an internship may even turn into a job offer upon completion. This is not a guarantee, but if a student proves that they are a hard worker and an asset to a company, it is a definite possibility.
Many faculty members and campus leaders encourage the use of internships to not only strengthen a resume, but also to broaden a studentʼs learning experience. Dr. Dennis Klinzing, chair of the Department of Communications stated this when asked about the importance of an internship: "First and foremost, the professional and personal benefits a student gains from being in a work environment with a supervisor or mentor are essential." He went on to describe the tremendous opportunity and how to apply what is learned in the classroom to a real world setting. There is also the opportunity to make important contacts that could be crucial in securing a job position in the future. The satisfaction of achieving success in a business environment is a great achievement for students as well. Dr. Klinzing has approved and monitored the internships of many Communication students, and he knows that these opportunities can really provide a great basis for future career plans.
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