From Classroom to Career

Why Internships Are an Essential Tool

story by Faith Rodriguez, design by Amy Walker

Imagine waking up each morning, the weight of dread heavy on your chest, because you never took the chance to explore an internship that could have helped you find clarity on what you truly want to do in life. Internships not only provide insight into your career path but also significantly increase the likelihood of being hired as a full-time employee. 

As Makayla Dibenedetto, a division recruiter at Consolidated Electrical Distributors, puts it, “We don't just hire interns to have interns. We want interns to be able to provide value to the company.” 

This hands-on experience is invaluable not only for the company where the internship takes place but also for any future employer who appreciates practical skills. Internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain applicable career training, establish professional connections and evaluate whether the career path you’re pursuing aligns with your true aspirations. This article will share tips for securing an internship and highlight student experiences with internship programs.

“Even if it's not required for your program, if you have that extra time, I think it is very worth it to invest in an internship.” —Brenna King, adult career counselor for People for People.

Benefits

Classes can only take you so far when it comes to career experience. While lectures and labs provide foundational knowledge, they can fall short in offering the real-world insights necessary for career readiness. Hands-on training plays a vital role in personal and  professional growth. Brenna King, an adult career counselor at People for People, notes, “Internships allow you to receive a lot of experience and overall knowledge about the position that you're going to be in.” 

By exploring different fields and roles, interns can discover their passions and strengths, which may not be apparent through coursework alone. Each internship experience can serve as a stepping stone, offering insights into the workings of a particular industry and helping individuals make informed career choices.

Networking establishes meaningful connections with individuals who can support your aspirations down the line. Seek out people who embody the career you want to pursue. This process is not just about exchanging business cards; it is about fostering relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. 

“Employers want to know that you are interested in and passionate about what they're doing. And when your passion and their passion meet, wonderful things can happen,” says Dale Larson, a program coordinator for internship enrollment at Central Washington University. Networking creates a sense of community, allowing professionals to share insights, resources and support, which can be instrumental in navigating challenges and advancing one’s career. Networking can occur through various avenues beyond internships, including job shadows, micro-internships, or scheduling informational interviews, where you reach out to professionals to learn more about their fields. In a competitive job market, having influential advocates can be crucial.

Internships also provide valuable opportunities for students to gain insight into their prospective careers, offering a glimpse into what a typical workday might entail. This practical exposure helps students determine whether a particular job aligns with their interests and goals, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future. “You might realize partway through that you’re glad you got this internship, but it's not exactly the work you want to be doing,” Aaron Woods, a CWU academic advisor, points out. Internships can prompt students to adjust their career paths, allowing them to confirm their passion for a chosen field or reassess their aspirations.

Intern to Employee

Internships can serve as a pathway to full-time employment. A recent graduate of CWU, King completed a year-long internship with People for People, which culminated in a job offer at the end of her internship. Thanks to the hard work and dedication she demonstrated, she says, the transition was seamless. “I really tried to learn a lot about the company and what each individual career counselor did.” By going above and beyond with her contributions, King set herself up for success.

One notable benefit that King highlighted is the advantage of already being familiar with the people at the company. She notes, “You get to know the organization that you're working for before you work full-time for them.” This prior knowledge enables a smoother transition into full-time employment, allowing interns to build relationships and understand the company culture in advance.

Gilberto Martinaz-Camacho, a CWU communication major, also shares his experiences with interning. Though his role as an intern has not ended by the time of publication, Martinaz-Camacho believes the key to having a successful internship is to be prepared to say yes. “Always say yes,” says Martinaz-Camacho. “[My advisor] gave me a lot of opportunities to branch out apart from typical work. She took me to a congressman luncheon. So I was able to meet a Congressman that represents Washington state, which was pretty cool. And I got to network with people from his staff that work in DC. I was able to network with people outside of the office, like they had barbecues.”

Advice from Our Advisors

CWU’s academic advisors are here to support and guide students toward careers that lead to a satisfying life. Woods and Larson both offer advice for students considering or searching for an internship. First, check with your field of study to see if your major requires an internship. Many degrees, including education, graphic design, engineering, and business, mandate internships.

Compensation is another important aspect to consider. Larson points out, “Reality is, only about 60 percent of our internships are paid right now.” In some cases, an unpaid internship can be worthwhile depending on the company's reputation. If faced with such a choice, reflect on the circumstances and weigh the pros and cons.

“The ideal internship is with a company you’d like to work for, doing the work you want to do,” Woods advises. Internships should be more than just a line on a resume; they should be transformative learning experiences. Seeking an internship with a company you admire allows you to immerse yourself in an inspiring environment. This alignment nurtures motivation and enthusiasm, significantly enhancing your learning experience. Working in a setting where you can envision yourself long-term can help solidify your career path and clarify your professional goals.

“If you're curious about what's going on and willing to work, then you're going to get something positive out of this,” Larson encourages those uncertain about applying for internships to take the plunge. Ultimately, embracing the unknown through internships can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. As Larson suggests, taking that first step fueled by curiosity can open doors and profoundly shape one’s future.