When you are exploring a potential career or working on transitioning to one you’ve selected, gaining experience in the field of your interest can help you in many ways. Internships are one of the best ways to get this experience. If you are exploring a career field, an internship is a relatively low-risk, low-cost way to try it out and see if the reality of the work (including the culture of the field, the day-to-day work,…) matches your expectations. If you know this is the field for you but are trying to figure out how to transition to it, create a network of contacts within the field, or meet the “previous experience” requirement many employers have, an internship can give you relevant work experience, people who can serve as references in your new field, and might even lead to a position with the very employer who is hosting your internship. Internships are also a great way to try out a company you may be interested in. It could confirm your interest in that particular organization and your view of who they are and how they do the work that they are engaged in. Or, it could help you realize they are not really a good fit for you (in which case, much better to find this out as an intern!).
Luckily, regardless of economic conditions, employers do host interns (in paid and unpaid capacities) and continue to consider proposals from potential interns who wish to bring their qualifications to the organization in exchange for the opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience. At a human resources and recruiting presentation, I recently heard an expert verify that... Read the rest here: http://careerconsultmd.com/Articles.html#anchor_63
Shahrzad Arasteh, M.A., helps people create and pursue their career search plan using 10 years of experience and a holistic approach to career counseling. She is a Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner, a Certified Professional Résumé Writer, and a Certified Global Career Development Facilitator. If you are ready to create your career search plan and find the work of your dreams, visit http://www.careerconsultmd.com/Sample-Job-Search-Schedule.html to sign up for a free copy of her sample weekly job search schedule and tips, resources and articles.
