**This post was created based off many conversations with friends’ about their internship experience combined with research I have done. The intention is to create conversation about the role of an intern.**
When you choose to take part in an internship, you would assume that you would learn about the internship’s field, understand what it takes to become part of the field and feel comfortable in your surroundings to ask questions and soak in everything thrown your way. However, some “internships” do not meet those assumed standards.
No one should be above running errands, organizing the workplace and completing office work, but when those details were not discussed before the start of the “internship,” those are the only tasks you complete for the company and the company does not give compensation, your employers call you an “intern” so they do not have to pay for an assistant.
What I do not understand: how can some companies see this experience as helping your career? You do not learn anything about your future career. When you talk about the internship on interviews, you will not impress a potential employer. Sure you will make contacts for the future, but when you have no new knowledge or real experience, you have nothing to bring to the table.
If your employers at your “internship” cease to explain what the company does, show the work their position consists of and want you to actively participate in the work, you do not have a great internship. Internships should prepare you for your career. You should not have to put all your effort and time into something that will give nothing in return.
When you have your first job and have your own interns, remember what it is like and help them get the most out of their experience. You will only help your company because you will create competent interns that can take on harder projects. Plus, you help the interns become fully prepared to enter the work force.
Find out what internships offer the best the experience at internshipratings.com. Share your experience and help future interns.
mhm! thankfully my internship was nothing like that and i got tons of hands on experience for the future. i loved my internship, but i actually went into it EXPECTING that typical coffee-running type of deal. but it worked out for the better
My first internship started off with running around NYC delivering media kits but clearly that’s an important aspect of PR. Thankfully from there and with my other two internships I had a lot of hands on experience. I did different things at each place but all very valuable skills that I am now using at my job.
People have told me about horrible internships and I can’t fully understand. I feel fortunate that I’ve had excellent internships and recommend each place to people looking for internships.