Are you a graduating student dreading to take an internship? Are you anxious to start corporate or field work?

Did you know that over 70% of interns were offered full-time positions after completing their on-the-job (OTJ) training? That’s a pretty high percentage of employment after graduation.

While for some, internships can be a little daunting, they are one of the keys to a great career. If you are fortunate, you can skip the whole tedious process of job hunting, applying, and interviewing.

Plus, you can easily create a professional network and develop skills and experience that you can add to your resume.

But internships are not just for students; they are for anyone looking for professional growth as well as widening their network for better career opportunities.

So, if you are a fresh graduate or a professional considering whether an internship is right for you, here are some of the benefits you can gain from it.

Benefits of Internships

1. Real-World Experience

Classroom learning is important and essential, but gaining practical, hands-on experience is very valuable. An internship allows you to apply the concepts you learned in school. It provides real-world work situations that you won’t get within the four walls of a classroom. Moreover, it exposes you to industry-specific tasks, tools, and processes. What’s beneficial is that most employers often favor candidates with hands-on experience.

2. Skill Development

Another great aspect of taking an internship or on-the-job training is that you get to develop important skills that can give you an edge in the job market. Some of the skills you can learn include communication and teamwork. By doing an internship, you have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in your field, which will help you improve your ability to communicate effectively with your peers and team.

Additionally, you can develop problem-solving skills. With an internship, you will encounter real-world problems that will allow you to think outside the box. These challenges will give you an opportunity to sharpen your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Lastly, one of the most important skills you can develop through an internship are technical skills. Depending on your field, you will be introduced to specialized tools and software that will greatly enhance your resume.

3. Networking Opportunities

Aside from developing valuable skills, on-the-job training can also open networking opportunities. You can connect directly with industry professionals such as managers, mentors, and experts. These connections can be valuable in building your professional network.

While there is no guarantee of employment once you finish your internship, the people you meet during your training can provide valuable recommendations and mentorships that can lead to many great opportunities.

4. Resume Enhancement

School can only offer you so much. With the competitiveness of the job market today, most hiring managers prefer candidates with work experience. That is why internships are a great avenue to enhance your resume by including all the valuable skills and experiences you’ve gained.

5. Increased Confidence

Job hunting and applications can be terrifying. However, your internship experience can boost your confidence in applying for jobs. Internships provide a safe space to learn, ask questions, and even make mistakes and learn from them. By the time you finish your internship, you will be more confident in your skills and abilities. This confidence can be helpful when applying for jobs and participating in interviews. There’s no substitute for the assurance that comes with real-world experience.

6. Clarifying Career Goals

Once you are exposed to a work environment, you can gain insight into what is happening in the real world. This experience can provide you with a peek into your future career, helping you identify your career goals. A lot can happen during an internship, and your dream job may not be what you expected. You may also discover a new passion that can redirect your career early on.

7. Potential Job Offers

As mentioned, 70% of internships end with full-time employment. That’s one of the great things about internships. If you excel in your role, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and know how to build good working relationships, employers may offer you a position at the end of your OJT.

Furthermore, even if the company doesn’t have any immediate openings, you may still be top of mind when future opportunities arise.

8. Learning Company Culture

One of the most important aspects of internships is that they give you a firsthand look at the culture of different companies. You will be exposed to how organizations operate, how teams communicate, and what work environments suit you.

Understanding company culture is crucial as it helps you figure out what type of organization you want to belong to for the long term.

9. Transition from Student to Professional

Transitioning from a student to a full-time employee can be a bit terrifying. However, internships can help ease that transition. You will learn how to navigate professional settings, meet deadlines, and even manage your time effectively.

With all these benefits, internships are truly a must for your career. They are an essential investment in your career development. From gaining valuable skills and real-world experience to building your network, you can gain a lot from internships. They will help you grow into the professional you aim to be.

Tips on How to Prepare for an Internship

Now that you know the benefits of taking an OJT, here are some tips on how to prepare and apply for one.

Identify Your Career Goals

Before applying, ask yourself about your career goals. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to be after graduating? Is there a specific company you want to apply to? The first step in preparing is to reflect on your interests and long-term aspirations. This will help you have a successful internship experience.

Research Companies and Industries

Don’t just apply to every random company that you find on the internet. Spend time researching companies and industries. Look into their values, culture, and types of internships they offer. This will help you prepare and set proper expectations.

Leverage Your Network

In finding a company to apply for an internship, try reaching out to professors, family, friends, and alumni for recommendations.

Utilize Online Job Boards

In addition to leveraging your network, you can explore internship opportunities on various job boards or websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and others.

Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events

Your chances of getting an internship will increase if you attend career fairs and networking events. Make sure to research and look for events that will help you widen your network and increase your internship opportunities.

Craft a Tailored Resume and Cover Letter

Don’t forget to spend time crafting your resume. Don’t send a generic resume to all the companies you are interested in. Customize your application materials for each internship, highlighting relevant skills and experiences to increase your chances of getting hired.

Prepare for Interviews

Once you’ve sent out resumes for potential internship opportunities, you need to prepare for interviews. Practice common interview questions with your professors, classmates, or friends. Be ready to discuss how your background makes you a good fit for the internship.

Follow Up

Another important part of your internship preparation is following up. Companies are busy with their day-to-day operations, so after applying, it is good to follow up for any updates. You can also send a thank-you email expressing your continued interest in the role.

These are just some of the things you can do to prepare for a successful internship. On the other hand, if you are a fresh graduate or a professional who just finished their OJT and are currently looking for job opportunities, we have great roles waiting for you.

You can browse our career opportunities here: https://mdmsystems.net.au/recruitment/

To apply, simply send us your resume at jobs@mdmsystems.net