Weeks Ringle ⋅ Oak Park , IL Modern Quilt Studio ⋅ 16 years experience

Beverly - I did internships in grad school every chance I got with companies that I thought I might want to work for after I graduated. In addition to getting the opportunity to have a potential employer see what you might contribute as a full-time employee, YOU get to see if it's a place you'd want to work. In one case I thought I wanted to work for a company because the owner was someone I respected a great deal so I was considering moving across the country to work for this company. After a one-week internship over Christmas break, I realized that while the owner was wonderful, it was clear that the primary decision maker was a partner who was a nightmare. You'd never see that in an interview. I saved myself a cross-country move and the awkward situation of getting the job only to realize a week later that I would not be happy or successful in that environment. Every chance you can get to see the inside of a company culture, the more you'll be able to figure out where you'll be able to grow and achieve your goals.

Steven Sachs ⋅ Washougal , WA Los Angeles Community College District ⋅ 37 years experience

Hi, Beverly.

Although it may not be "necessary" to do an internship, I can tell you that if you do one, you will be miles ahead of anyone else looking for the job on a permanent basis (as long as you got along with the people for whom you interned and were reasonably competent). The major variable in hiring people, after confirming that they have the minimum skill set to do the job, is how well people believe they will get along with the applicant. Interning proves to them that they can get along with (and probably like) you. Yes, it may be unpaid, but it is worth its weight in gold. Also: Even if you don't get a job there, as long as the people liked you and you were at least minimally competent, it will provide a great recommendation for any other company. Bottom line is that an internship is worth its weight in gold. Maybe platinum. Good luck, Beverly!

chris yontez ⋅ Los Angeles , CA Brandable ⋅ 25 years experience

Thank you for your service. I absolutely believe doing an internship would be beneficial in not only gaining insight into a prospective companies culture and responsibilities but also to add credibility to your job search. An internship is not necessarily a guarantee of a job but it is a very good way to get a foot in the door. Internships can give you a good base of business skills to add to your military service and responsibilities. Internships give you perspective of the position you may want, confidence in the work you can do, a great possible network of business people who can help you. The key is to get the internship. Develop a plan of action and do the research. Good luck!

Tim Keefe ⋅ Washington , DC U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 6 years served

Like Patti, I got my undergrad degree in the early 90s and internships were uncommon back then. Same for co-ops, and especially with my school. Had those things existed, I probably could have avoided some career mistakes when I was younger. So, having never done an internship, I can't speak authoritatively about them.

However, I can offer the following:

1. Be wary of following the herd and doing an internship just for resume fodder. The way to get noticed is to do something either truly outstanding among the rest of the students out there who have also done internships, or do something else that showcases creativity, ingenuity, drive, persistence, and grit. All of these traits are what entrepreneurs tend to have, and if you adopt this mindset, even without starting your own business, you might come out head of the pack in the end. Ben Casnocha's "The Startup of You" is an excellent book to read on this subject.

2. I do remember hearing the horror stories of how internships are a way for companies to get cheap labor, especially for those that won't teach interns anything substantial. Having done terrible temp jobs in the past (which I could classify as "internships:), I can attest to this. You often don't know what you're getting into until after the first week, so Weeks is right on track with her comments. Let the potential intern beware.

Check out this article: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/unpaid-intern-economy-rides-backs-young-women-1-180951540/?no-ist

3. If you choose to do an internship, not only do you have to make it worth your while professionally, but also financially. That is, I wouldn't take an unpaid internship unless it's near family and/or you can live very cheaply in the area, especially in a high cost of living city. Many Smithsonian internships, for example, are unpaid and so you have to deal with living decently in Washington, DC, where the costs are high and short-term rentals for interns are very hard to find. Just something to consider.

4. And, yes, reach out to ACP Advisors for help!

Patti Fiore ⋅ Doylestown , PA Patti Drach Fiore Services ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi, Beverly.

Most students did not do internships or co-ops when I was in college in the early 90s, but I went to a school with a mandatory co-op program. And my own take is, it gave me a leg up in the working world (what to expect, how to act, etc.) It also helped me identify areas of strength and imagine how I could parlay those into a career. My sense about internships now, however, is that they are more and more common for college students. So, I think you are at a true competitive disadvantage upon graduation without that resume fodder.

michael convey ⋅ Longboat Key , FL JH Williams Oil Co ⋅ 42 years experience

Internships are helpful, but not necessary. They enable you to see the business, and may help you determine whether this is what you really want to do. In addition, they will assist you in developing skills that will assist you in securing your job. They may provide you with some contacts that could provide employment or become customers of the Company that employs you

Ron Orick ⋅ Fort Smith , AR University of Arkansas Fort Smith ⋅ 15 years experience

From my experience as a former college recruiter and career development professional, employers generally value work experience in your field of study. Internships can be an effective method for gaining experience in your field. I would focus on getting the relevant experience, whether it be an internship, part-time position in your field or volunteering in your field. To set yourself apart from other interns, watch for opportunities "outside" of your normal work area to volunteer. For example, a marketing intern might volunteer to be on the Company Picnic planning team to get some event planning experience even if that is not part of their normal intern duties.

Pat Skelly ⋅ Raleigh , NC IBM ⋅ 38 years experience

Beverly,

Your experience is not unique. In our company if you are a good intern we try to convert you to full time when you graduate providing you did a great job as an intern. We have a slogan, "recruit once, hire twice". We hire approximately 1500 to 2000 interns every year in the U.S. It gives you great visibility being an intern and the most important part is networking with others in the company who may be a alumni from your school and give you tips on jobs within the company and other companies. It is beneficial if you get experience in the field you would like to work in. You get a big edge when you have some experience in that field. I wish you well in your decision.

Misty Last ⋅ Charlotte , NC AECOM ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Beverly, I would strongly suggest doing an internship. You may be able to be hired without an internship, depending on your field of interest, especially if your service time was in a related field. However, you will be more marketable and judged more experienced with an internship under your belt. Also, you will face competition from other graduates who have done internships and it will be a constant competition against those credentials. As others have said, make sure that it is a credible company that can offer you marketable experience but I definitely advise all college students to do internships or coops as much as they are able. Hope this helps!

Adrian Woolcock ⋅ Charlotte , NC ProSidian Consulting ⋅ 18 years experience

An internship is extremely valuable while you are getting your degree and oftentimes based on performance leads to a full time job opportunity so chose wisely entities you pursue for internship opportunities.

Stephen Kemp ⋅ Peoria , AZ City of Peoria, Arizona ⋅ 32 years experience

I recommend internships. for professional positions there are many applicants, a successful internship can help you stand out. The most important thing is that the internship be a good mentoring experience. In my career, those who have mentored me have provided the cricital component to my success as I could learn and emulate their successes and understand their failures.

Stephen Kemp ⋅ Peoria , AZ City of Peoria, Arizona ⋅ 32 years experience

I recommend internships. for professional positions there are many applicants, a successful internship can help you stand out. The most important thing is that the internship be a good mentoring experience. In my career, those who have mentored me have provided the cricital component to my success as I could learn and emulate their successes and understand their failures.

Paul Dunn ⋅ Madison , CT ESPN ⋅ 30 years experience

Potentially, depending upon the characteristics of the particular internship. Time is a resource. If a particular internship is worth your investment, than yes, it can be beneficial. The internship should enhance your value as a job applicant. Determine what duties and responsibilities the internship will provide. What type of exposure to the business will the internship allow you? Like anything listed on your resume, you want the internship to provide value and meaning. During future interviews, you want to be able to point to that experience and cite how it enhanced your career development. You don't want it to just be a hollow part of your resume. The right internships can be very valuable.

Anastasios Handrinos ⋅ Port Richey , FL Handrinos Management: A Consulting Services ⋅ 4 years experience

It would be beneficial for you to do it. As employers in todays job market are getting picker and picker it will look good. Internship are great for you and the employer. It allows you to apply what you learn and gain youthful experience.

Joseph Leotta ⋅ Bridgewater , NJ SK Search Group, LLC ⋅ 30 years experience

The time to look for a summer internship has really passed. Many companies started that process at the latter part of 2014 - trust me, I know....
Yes, internships are very notable toward a full time job search at the right time.....all work experience is good to show, but internships are usually geared toward grooming interns for future work with the organization.

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego , CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Another aye vote here! Some say the first 20 years or so of your life is an internship. But, as you are asking here, there are those that can go badly.......even when supervised by your education source. You already know that in some cases, they are required. All well and good but as you have seen from the other respondents here, they add enough to your experience to off set the risks and failed ones that could happen. Often they are detailed to you with an agreement you make if not sign. Read that thoroughly and note that some statements may even make you nervous but they let you know very well what to expect and what is expected of you. On balance........internships are a very good experience and when participated in wisely, not at all a waste of time.

Mark Reed ⋅ Frisco , TX Livingstong Global, LLC ⋅ 5 years experience

When I was in graduate school I interned twice. Both were nightmares. I felt as if the training was poor, or non-existent. Beware the SCEP program. My best advice is to intern in a field that you truly desire to enter, that way it will make the hard and weird times tolerable.

Eli Lessing ⋅ Hamilton , OH General Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

Beverly; Consider a internship an opportunity to look at the potential company to see if its a good fit for you. It also gives the company a chance to see if your a good fit for them as well as you getting a feel for the day to day operations. You should use this time to show your skills and qualities that would make you a good hire, along with a chance to build your network. I would say that if you have the time its worth doing one if you have a plan on what you want to accomplish during your internship. Set some goals and keep an open mind. Internships are a good learning experience

Good Luck

Eli

barbara hawes ⋅ Brielle , NJ Aflac ⋅ 28 years experience

Thank you for your service, Beverly!
One principle of landing a job these days is networking. Not only does an internship provide the hands-on experience employers look for in a candidate, but you will feel more comfortable with the day to day tasks in the field and increasing your network of contacts. Having an internship also provides an inside view of the corporate culture, and without a major commitment you can see if that company is a good fit. At the same time, you could also ask other staff where they have worked before, and the pros and cons of other companies. Make friends and take names! Good luck with this new adventure!

Sarah Morgan ⋅ Friendswood , TX Boeing ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Beverly,
I graduated from college about two years ago and received several offers of employment prior to graduating. During my interviews I often asked what about my resume/cover letter caused me to stand out as a potential employee. The two most common responses were my in field internships and my military background (not in a related field as my studies). The military background showed employers that while I was a "college hire" I had real work experience and the internships showed I had experience in the field I was trying to be employed.

On the other end of the spectrum, a friend from school was unable to find employment even post graduation, and ultimately enrolled in a masters program. The feed back she received was generally that she did not have sufficient work experience in her field of interest.

Having experienced the benefits of internships and seen the trials without them, I'm inclined to suggest you do take advantage of the opportunity to gain real world experience in the field you're hoping to have a career.

Good luck!

Po Wong ⋅ Orlando , FL Johnson & Johnson (retired) ⋅ 40 years experience

Thank you for your service, Beverly!

Internship is definitely valuable as many advisors stated. Many interns become regular employee after they completed their education. Not knowing your specific interest, below is a J&J job link specifically for university students and intern. It updates daily.

J&J is very focused on Veteran, diverse and women development. It is also good that you are in NJ where many J&J companies and HQ is located. Good opportunity! Contact me in "private message" if you have questions. Good luck!!

http://jobs.jnj.com/go/Jobs-for-University-Students/358304/25/?q=&sortColumn=referencedate&sortDirection=desc

Edward Marks ⋅ Louisville , KY NTT Data, Inc ⋅ 25 years experience

Beverly, thank you for serving. I went through a program that required 3 full semesters of a cooperative internship to get my BS. That turned into a job with that company. I believe the internship gives you valuable experience that can put you ahead of the competition. Also, I believe companies are willing to take a chance on an intern if they see potential. They may not take that same chance on a fresh grad for an entry level position. So, I say get that leg up and do the internship if you can swing it. Good luck!

Lisanne Sison ⋅ Sacramento , CA Bickmore ⋅ 12 years experience

Thank you for your service, Beverly! I agree with what all the other Advisors have posted, but would also add that it is sometimes a challenge to translate your military experience to civilian professional pursuits. An internship is a good way to demonstrate the applicability of the many skills you developed in the military to other professional pursuits. Best of luck to you!

Morgan Hoogvelt ⋅ Helotes , TX Morgan Human Capital Management ⋅ 12 years experience

Not necessary but always a huge plus, especially if you can get an internship at a large and reputable company that has some brand name recognition. Internships will serve as great learning opportunities, great networking opportunities and provide you with some good but basic experience for the future.

Good luck - Morgan Hoogvelt

Douglas Lavelle ⋅ Chatham , NJ Financial Services ⋅ 24 years experience

Thank you for your service. I do think an internship, if you have time and the opportunity, is a great way for you to position yourself for a clear path in a specific field. Good luck.

Deborah Meyer ⋅ Columbus , OH Anthem, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Beverly: In addition to the others, I would add that you will create a great network of individuals to help you in your career search upon graduation. What can you do to define yourself from other interns? GREAT question - Present solutions with options not just problems, think creatively and research better ways of doing everything you work with/touch. New people to an organization offer a fresh perspective. Learn from those around you but also present (in a positive manner) ideas that may improve the company. Good Luck! Deborah

Bret Weaver ⋅ Rochester , PA Rochester Public LIbrary ⋅ 19 years experience

Internships are a great way to start your professional experience. It shows you are aggressive in pursuing your goals and an eagerness to learn. They've certainly helped me. Interships/volunteer experiences should be treated no less than a typical job. Be prompt, team-orientated, well communicative, adjustable to diversity, dependable, responsible, show good integrity and with all this, be patient.

Maria Mckiever ⋅ Chicago , IL Harry S Truman College ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Beverly,

I agree with what Chris says, but I want to add to that. This forum is a great space for advice, but have you already been personally connected with an ACP Mentor? They come from Fortune 500's and are the best resource in regards to potential internships in the career field you're pursuing. If you haven't, I recommend contacting Samantha Greenberg, sgreenberg@acp-usa.org, Phone: (212) 752-0700. Best of luck to you!