On one of those days when you surf the internet and look for random knowledge to soak in, I came across something Benjamin Franklin said that struck me, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”. As a staunch believer of doing is the best way of learning, and practice is the only way to mastery, this quote felt like home.
This brings me to talk about “internship“, defined as “the position of a student or trainee who works in an organization, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification”. Basically, in the skill-based industry, an internship is the best way to learn by doing.
While there are a lot of advertisements for “internship positions”, I have found that just like with a lot of things, learning in an internship is not automatic. In fact, unless you take deliberate actions to learn, with clear goals in mind of what you intend to achieve, you might find yourself going from one internship to the other without gaining maximally what you could have.
On the learner’s part, as much as possible, the desire is to get paid internship positions, how sweet it is to have incentivized learning! For me, however, I believe there are things more important than getting paid for an internship. I have learned that getting the benefits for which “internships” exist in the first place is more important. I am going to share tips I have gathered to put in mind when searching for internships.
Tips to Consider when Applying to Internships
- Clearly define your goal
- Research the company
- Have a timeline
- Put a system in place to track your progress.
- Learn, and enjoy the experience.
Clearly define your goal:
Like with anything in life, having a clearly defined goal is highly important. This is what guides you, and protects your focus. It is a way to direct your energy knowing clearly that there’s a clear destination in mind. Your goal might be experiencing the work culture, or getting involved in real-life applications of the skill you have. It might be mastering a concept or building your portfolio. Whatever you intend to achieve with the internship, ensure it is clearly stated from the start.
Research the Company:
With a goal in mind, the next step is finding the means. If your goal for seeking an internship is to experience an environment with a good working culture, then you want to look for an internship in companies that have the structure and culture. This is the point where research of the company comes in. Because you have a goal, you have to be deliberate about the companies you apply to. Due diligence is the way to achieve this. Research, make a list of your desired companies, and deep dive into your application.
Another reason research is important is that some companies under the guise of internships actually seek cheap labor. You have the responsibilities of a full staff with no time and resources of the company dedicated to your learning. The worst type of company to do an internship at is one with no interest in your growth. Here, the only thing to do is runnn.
Have a timeline:
Internships are for a period of time, you can’t continue to remain an intern forever. It is important that you have a clear duration in mind as you apply for positions. “I want to do a 3-month/6-month internship, after which I should have gained the needed skills to proceed”. This puts you on, drumming in the fact that you don’t have forever to stay as an intern. It is meant to be a transitionary period.
Have a tracking system:
You’ve applied, and after several rejection emails, you finally have that mail that says CONGRATULATIONSSSSS! First hand, I know exactly how this feels. Especially when it comes at a time you are totally unsuspecting. A time you’ve decided to stop keeping the hopes up after going through multitudes of rejection emails. The next thing is to create a system to measure your progress. Remember what the M in setting SMART goals stands for, “Measurable”. A metric to periodically ascertain you’re still on the path to achieving your goal.
Learn, and enjoy the process:
More than the result, the process is where the greatest satisfaction is derived. You have to fall in love with the process. Get involved in company activities, and develop a relationship with other colleagues. Be intentional in contributing to the deliverables of others when and where you can. Show up, and Consistently put in your best. Be indispensable.
For me, an internship goal is to get a feel of the work environment at Brand Patron. And also create a body of work I can show to have written over the course of three months. I am well on my part to achieving that goal and have enjoyed every bit of the process. There has been learning and growth because the company is invested in me. A criterion I looked for while seeking an internship. I make sure I put in my best too. So what started out as an unpaid role became paid because of the value I bring to the table.
So my dear reader, the next time you apply for an internship, look beyond it being paid or unpaid. Rather ask yourself these questions: Is the company culture one I am comfortable with? Would they be invested in my growth? This is a very important question because some companies are disguising looking for cheap labor as internship positions. Is this an enabling environment to achieve my goal?
With these questions answered, the next time you see an internship position, it would be easier to determine whether or not you should take the offer.
