Posted On: April 5, 2010

Making decisions about your career is difficult and before you invest your education in a particular field it’s important to know what that job is really like. Internships are a great way to get a feel for your future. Getting a hands-on look by temporarily assisting in a company can really help you gain perspective and decide if this is something you really want to do.

The job market is incredibly competitive nowadays and having student internship experience, however small, can really stand out on a resume. Many times those who intern for businesses can create close professional relationships which can lead to recommendations for college applications or future employment once you graduate. Because you also develop new professional skills during an internship it can increase your chances of getting hired. Experience is always a plus.

Even before you begin attending college you should be trying to network with professionals and create relationships that will help you along your career path. It doesn’t matter if the internship doesn’t match what you will inevitably choose as a major. The experience will be worth it regardless of whether it's a paid or unpaid internship. Having an undergraduate internship will tell possible employers that you are a determined and experienced candidate and that counts for a lot.

A good way to begin your search for internships is to speak with high school counselors or career coordinators about opportunities. Many businesses post openings in school message boards as well. If you find a specific company you would like to work for you can always speak with them directly by contacting someone in their human resources department. Even if a company is not looking for new workers, your persistence could convince them to allow you to work with them anyway. Be sure to clearly outline why you would be good for the position and what you feel you could learn from them. The application process can also give you a much needed expertise when filling out applications for colleges and applications.

Participating in an internship can be a rewarding experience on many levels. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and get involved in something new and exciting. You could end up doing yourself a great service in your future.