Taking advantage of internships while in school can open up early, as well as long-term, career opportunities.
A recent AWC Detroit event featured four speakers who shared their expertise. Those voices included, Jim Wojcik, associate professor of journalism at Central Michigan University; Kamryn Lowler, Catalyst Media Factory former intern; Marrisa Campo, marketing associate at SSDM and former Walsh College intern; and Gerard F Corbett, APR, fellow past chair and CEO, PRSA and chair and CEO, Redphlag LLC.
A few key takeaways from Wojcik’s presentation include the recognition that internships are an opportunity to build connections for future career paths. Further, flexibility is a necessity. Move away from the nine-to-five mindset. This is your opportunity to learn and grow and those opportunities are not just reserved in a set time. Don’t limit yourself to the tasks you’ve been assigned, but look beyond. What else can you contribute? What else is needed in the setting or space that you can step in and accomplish? The internship can be a catalyst for honing skills and gaining connections to a specified career.
Lowler, coming directly from an internship experience, provided insight into ways to position yourself for success. Take the time to get informed about on-campus events and opportunities and be active in your campus community. Benefits include gaining a skill set and discovering your preferences for future professional settings. An internship is another opportunity. Find out what is offered in and around the college, and apply early.
Lowler walks us through the process from applying, to life beyond the internship. This includes preparing a resume, an elevator speech to present yourself to potential employers, creating business cards, and a professional portfolio. Be ready and confident to tackle projects to demonstrate your skills. This is the time to show others your value. Consider what internship is right for you. Do you need compensation or can you work unpaid? Is the work environment one in which you can grow? Will the internship help you to your career goals? Having completed an internship before graduation can provide new opportunities and quicker job attainment post-graduation.
As an Agency Internship Program Leader, Campo gave insight into her own experience interning as well as what leaders are looking for in a candidate. Have a professional profile, like LinkedIn, with relevant work demonstrating your skills. Highlight platforms and programs you are proficient in. Details matter, be sure to proofread and edit.
Show your passion and interest by remaining informed in the industry and asking thoughtful questions. Working on projects in the interim is a way to polish your skills as well as build your portfolio.
Corbett covered questions to ask when selecting an internship. One of the most common questions is whether the internship is paid or unpaid. Corbett suggests avoiding internships that do not offer pay. However, some internships may offer college credit as compensation. Further, make sure the compensation offered is reasonable. For creative roles like “content creation” in major markets Corbett suggests to “expect no less than $25 per hour.”
Know what is expected of your time during working hours and otherwise. What can you expect from the internship? Will the skills gained lead to a position either within the company or elsewhere? Are you willing to put in your time and efforts without a guarantee of full time work post-internship? If any such guarantees are made to the effect of a position post-internship, make sure those details are in writing.
Consider the reputation of the company and how that will reflect on you. Do your values match those of the company, and will you have room to grow your own professional development in a manner which is true to you? Consider tangible assets that can be gained from the internship. Will you be able to add more pieces to your portfolio, and what credit can you take for your creative work? What flexibility is offered? Be sure you will still have the capacity to network at other venues, pursue volunteer work, and other avenues to build your professional career.
The AWC Detroit event, Internships and You, taught us the value interning has in college and into your professional career. Take the time to explore opportunities for internships at and around your college. Find the best option tailored to your future goals and ambitions, make connections, and build skills to set you up for success. Take advantage of internships in college and beyond to create more avenues for professional life.
Information on available internships are posted on both the national and AWC Detroit websites.
About the Author
Lisa Rotarius is currently in her most valued role as a stay-at-home Mom to her three-year-old daughter. Recently, Lisa obtained a degree from Rochester University in Mass Communication. Some of her noteworthy skills are in the areas of writing, research, and problem solving. She loves to laugh and create, especially in the kitchen with her daughter. As she embarks on another career, Lisa is working to establish herself as a writer.
