Collaborative Post
When it comes to the working world, it can be daunting to step foot into your chosen career. Having never encountered a professional environment before, it can be difficult to imagine what to expect. The idea of stepping out into the working world is an ominous feeling and going in blind is not ideal.
This is why internships are a great option. They help people move into the professional world in a streamlined way. Some of the biggest names in the world started out in their fields as an intern to then become a massive success. These big names include Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Tom Ford, Steve Jobs, Anderson Cooper and even Oprah Winfrey!
What Is An Internship?
An internship is a period of work experience which is offered for a limited period of time. Many businesses offer them to people looking to step foot into a specific career. People choose to join an internship to gain relevant skills in their chosen field.
The term ‘internship’ can be interpreted differently by different people but it usually means someone offering their services in exchange for experience (rather than money). It can help to build a network of like minded professionals and can even sometimes lead to employment opportunities too!
Why Should You Choose An Internship?
A internship can get you outside of your comfort zone. I know that I was terrified to go into the working world when I was younger as I had no clue what to expect. I wanted to follow a career that no one else in my friends and family had ever tried so I couldn’t even ask them what to expect either.
There are many benefits to choosing an internship though. These include:
- It helps you to network with like minded individuals
- It helps you gain an understanding of your chosen field
- It helps you to develop your communication and problem-solving skills, among others
- It is something to add to your CV
However there are many positive things personally that an internship can offer you. There are a great many skills and benefits that an internship can offer a career but there are plenty of things for you personally too. You can use the skills you develop in both your career and your personal life too.
Why Choose An International Internship?
As well as following your chosen career, you can also network on a global scale. Internships in your home country are great for networking but growing those connections abroad is even better. There are plenty of fantastic destinations which offer internship opportunities.
There are some great finance internships abroad – finance is something that is always going to be around and gaining an understanding of the global finance sector is well worth it. As well as a basic understanding, interns will also be kept afresh on financial updates as they happen.
Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash
An international internship helps interns to find out more about different countries and cultures alongside their career.
The benefits of an international internship are:
- Finding out about different countries and cultures
- Great for networking
- Getting to explore some amazing destinations
- Getting to learn about your career on a global scale
- Developing your skills on a global scale
You will also learn from your mentors and your peers and this is probably the biggest benefit of all. Learning on the job and learning through those you are working with or alongside is something that cannot be beaten.
How Can You Get An International Internship?
As I mentioned above, internships are great for helping you to network but networking is key in the beginning to getting an international internship. Speak to your contacts and find out what international internships are available in your field and see what you need to do to get onto them. Ensure your CV is up to date.
You can also apply directly – it can be tough and some may not offer an internship programme so you will need to apply and explain why you want to intern for them. Research the company or companies you really want to work with them and sell yourself to them; make them see why you should be considered.
What Career Fields Offer Internships?
There are a variety of career fields that offer internships, both domestically and abroad. These include:
- Finance
- Business
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Media and PR
- IT
- Education
- Economics
Many different fields offer internships and many fields have offshoots where you can join one more specific to your needs – i.e an accounting internship specifically.
In Conclusion
There are many benefits to internships, international internships in particular. As well as developing skills in the business world, you will also make some great contacts through networking, gain plenty of experience and you can update your CV accordingly. You may even get some fantastic job offers off the back of your internship too.