In the last blog, we saw how college freshers could get a job while they are still at college. In this blog, we are going to continue that topic by discussing a secret weapon that could easily help a college fresher land his/her dream job, which is is doing internships. We will also explore practical tips on how to make the most of your internship .
What is an internship?
An internship is a period a college student spends in a company/institution/facility where he or she will learn the nuances of what they studied in college through hands-on experience. Students of Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Management, Media, and any other student from any discipline do internships before they complete their studies.
For example, an HR student cannot get hands-on experience of interviewing job candidates or interacting with employees of an organization and the experience of working in their HRMS Software or running payrolls unless they go as interns to companies which do such activities.
In short, picture internships as your backstage pass to the work world, where you roll up your sleeves (figuratively) and turn textbook theories into real-world skills.
Let’s get the ball rolling by expanding more on how to land your dream job by doing internships:
Choose an internship which aligns with your goals:
The first step to finding the best internship for you is to know what you want to achieve from it. Do you want to explore a new field or industry? Do you want to gain specific skills or knowledge? Do you want to build your network or portfolio? Do you want to get a job offer at the end of it? Whatever your goals are, make sure you choose an internship that matches them. For example, if you want to learn more about digital marketing, look for an internship that involves creating content, managing social media, or analysing data.
Choose a startup/smaller company:
While working for a big brand or a well-known organization may sound appealing, it may not be the best option for an intern. Why? Because you may end up doing mundane tasks or getting lost in the crowd. On the other hand, working for a startup or a smaller company can give you more exposure, responsibility, and learning opportunities. You may also get to work closely with the founders or the leaders, who can mentor you and give you valuable feedback. According to a survey by Internshala, 72% of students prefer to intern at startups over established companies.
So, skip the big names and explore startups or smaller companies. Be the trendsetter; smaller setups often mean more responsibility, giving you a chance to shine brighter.
Don’t trade in learning for stipends:
One of the biggest mistakes students make when choosing an internship is focusing too much on the money. While getting paid for your work is nice, it should not be the main criterion for selecting an internship. Remember, the primary purpose of an internship is to learn and grow, not to earn. So, don’t let a low or no stipend discourage you from applying for an internship that offers a great learning experience. According to a report by Glassdoor, the average monthly stipend for an intern in India is ₹12,000, but the range can vary from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the industry, location, and duration.
Here's the scoop: the real gold is in learning, not just the stipend. Focus on soaking up knowledge; even if the wallet isn't doing cartwheels, the experience is the real treasure.
Spend more time at the company:
The duration of an internship can vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the company and the project. However, the longer you spend at the company, the more you can learn and contribute. A longer internship can also help you build stronger relationships with your colleagues and supervisors, who can become your references or referrals in the future. According to a study by NACE, the conversion rate (the percentage of interns who get a full-time job offer from the same employer) increases with the length of the internship, reaching 51.7% for those who interned for more than 12 weeks.
Similarly, spend more hours on a day. Don't be the intern who ghosts after a few hours. Dive into the company vibe, sync up with their rhythm, and clock in those hours like a pro. It's your express ticket to becoming a workplace star.
Do internships voluntarily:
Many colleges and universities have made internships mandatory for their students as part of their curriculum. While this is a good initiative, it should not be the only reason for you to do an internship. You should also look for internships that interest you and challenge you, even if they are not required by your college. Doing internships voluntarily shows your passion, initiative, and curiosity, which are highly valued by employers. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 89% of professionals say that skills and experience are more important than a degree when hiring.
So, don't wait for your college to call the shots. Take control. Choose online or direct internships that match your passion. You're the hero of your own career story.
Do internships frequently:
One internship is not enough to prepare you for the real world. You need to do multiple internships to gain diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives. Doing internships frequently can also help you discover your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, which can help you choose your career path. According to a report by Chegg, students who do two or more internships are more likely to find a job within six months of graduation than those who do only one or none.
So, don't settle for a one-time gig. Go for internships regularly. Each stint adds a new skill to your toolkit, making you a job market superhero.
Conclusion:
Doing internships is one of the best ways to get a job as a college fresher. In fact, internships are not just stepping stones; they're your secret weapon for success. It can help you learn new things, gain practical experience, and impress potential employers. However, not all internships are created equal. You need to choose the best internship for you based on your goals, interests, and abilities. And you need to do it often and willingly.
If you are looking for the best HR internship opportunity, apply using this link. You can also browse hundreds of jobs in PAN India on our website www.kaarlo.in. Kaarlo is a platform that connects job seekers and interns with companies that offer jobs in various fields and industries. Whether you want to work in HR, marketing, finance, IT, or any other domain, you can find a job that suits you on Kaarlo. You can also get guidance, support, and feedback from the Kaarlo team throughout your job-seeking journey. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up on Kaarlo today and start your job/internship search. You never know, you might just land your dream job.
Â