1.Is An Unpaid Internship Worth It?

After companies saw an increased demand for internship opportunities that would allow college students to gain experience in their professional fields, they realized that they could offer unpaid positions. As a result, students are forced to juggle their full course loads with a part-time job and their responsibilities as an intern. If you are going to accept an unpaid position, do everything possible beforehand to ensure that you will be gaining valuable skills that will hugely increase your employ-ability when you dive into the job market after graduation. Your time, effort, and contributions are valuable – don’t sell yourself short!

2.What Will You Leave With?

This could be a website that you helped developed, stories you helped to write or edit, or even skills that you learned while on the job. The more work you have to illustrate your professional abilities, the better!

3.How Will You Have Expanded Your Network?

Networking is crucial when it comes to getting accepted into grad school, applying for a job, or successfully acquiring a promotion within your organization. It’s up to you to make a lasting impression upon your internships supervisors by making insightful suggestions and helpful offers. If you find yourself without a bulging Rolodex come graduation day, however, don’t panic – the professors you’ve built relationships over the years are more than willing to help their favorite students secure internships and jobs with glowing recommendation letters!

4.Does Your Company Offer Opportunities for Growth?

It’s important to decide whether or not you respect the company and it’s overall goals before deciding to intern there. If you could not see yourself there long term, shop around more for internships at companies that are representative of goals and methods that you consider to be ethical and worthwhile.

5.How Will This Help You Land Your Dream Job?

Consider what skills you’ll be acquiring, who you’ll be adding to your professional network, and how this position fits into your overall career goal map.

6.Apply, Even If You’re Unsure About Your Qualifications

Often times, internship postings can be intimidating, and you may be reluctant to apply for a position that you want just because of the qualifications lists. Although it’s important to not trick your potential employer into think you’ll be capable of doing much more than you really are, being honest about what you can do well and what you’re willing to learn is what could end up landing you the internship.

7.What Other Jobs Will This Qualify You For?

During your undergraduate years, it’s important to explore as many career possibilities as possible. Try to do an internship or two outside of your major’s designated field – you could end up falling in love with that profession, and you may even decide to change your study focus. Diversify your resume by fulfilling as many internship positions as you can.