Gone are the days when graduate freshers were looked down upon as an incapable lot when it came to living up to the standards of most companies despite scoring high marks in their exams. Over the years, the scenario has changed with the growing realisation that the industry wants more hands-on and skilled manpower, right out of college. Among the many steps initiated by colleges, including mLACw, the one that stands out is the implementation of internship/industrial training programs to prepare students for the real-world challenges and be job-ready. 

 

What is an industry training/internship?

 

An internship is similar to a full-time job except that the student may be eligible to draw a stipend instead of a full salary like regular employees. Internships are time-bound (a month or three) graduate or undergraduate stints during which the student gains valuable experience and insights in their domain of interest.

 

Benefits of internships and industry experience

 

The goal of every student is to land their dream job or any other form of professional goal without having to spend time to gain the required initial experience to move to the next level. It is necessary to narrow down the options, and focus on the area that will challenge and grow you personally and professionally. 

 

1. Gain the right experience 

 

Experience. The most coveted word in the job sector. Many job seekers have been at the receiving end of not having relevant experience while applying for their dream job. The realisation that there is a shortcut to adding an experience section to one's resume even before leaving college is a huge benefit.

Gaining experience has two main advantages :

  • Learn about how businesses operate

  • Exposure to the real-world work environments

 

2. Exponentially increases the chances of getting employed

 

Internships improve the employability factor. Your performance during the internship period adds to your potential and who knows, you might get an offer letter even before you finish your course from the same company you intern at. 

 

3. Imparts confidence

 

Confidence is key to developing time management, collaborative and cooperative skills. To be able to excel in leadership positions, you have to be confident enough from the beginning and an internship program would do a world of good in boosting your confidence levels. 

 

4. Add more value to your biodata 

 

After completing internships, you will be in a position to enrich your resume with projects you participated in - a testimony to your exposure and capabilities. The other big plus about internships is that they provide you with a lot of clarity to plan your career. 

 

5. Choose better career options

 

Internships help narrow down multiple career options that can be confusing. Internships engage students in a variety of tasks without expecting them to be committed to a particular discipline. This allows you to make better choices about roles that don't appeal to you, and choose those which will propel your career. 

 

6. Build professional connections

 

Getting the opportunity to meet industry experts is an invaluable aspect of internships. Students need to make the most of those interactions by taking notes, asking questions and using all possible opportunities to interact. 

 

7. References and recommendations

 

Among the best ways to impress an interviewer is to show them the invaluable recommendations your supervisor or mentor wrote about your internship. These recommendations are an important part of your resume to market your traits and skills.

 

The job sector is becoming diversified and open to favourable changes, and all you have to do is get yourself in the right set of mind and leap forward with confidence!