What do you do if you're a career changer and want to reap the benefits of internships?

I did a second internship during the summer of my second year MBA. Internships seemed crucial for gaining practical experience, but securing one felt daunting coming from an engg background. I started by assessing my transferable skills (communication, project management, etc.) and tailoring my resume. Then, I networked relentlessly, reaching out to marketing professionals for advice. One connection offered to pass my resume to her company for an internship opening. I landed an internship! The hands-on experience was invaluable. I took on projects, constantly reflecting on lessons learned. Career changers can leverage internships through purposeful networking, articulating transferable skills, and an eagerness to learn and grow.

If you're a career changer looking to reap the benefits of internships, consider targeting internships in your new field to gain relevant experience and connections. Highlight transferable skills from your previous career in your application materials and interviews. Be proactive in networking and seeking out opportunities, and be willing to take on entry-level roles to gain valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to the new field.

Resume is one of the most important thing. It’s crucial that you follow the below steps for resume update: 1. Skill check 2. List down the updates you want to do 3. List down your new skills, courses and achievements. 4. Update your resume with the latest pattern. 5. Focus on result oriented areas

When you are considering a career change and even an internship to help you get where you want to be, it's vital to make sure your resume also speaks about the transition you want to make and also about all the relevant skills and experience that could be valuable and transferable for this new role and how considering someone with all these skills and experience for an internship or an entry level role is highly valuable for the company.

I find this to be the most crucial. If you are at entry level, applying for internships is still widely acceptable. However, the challenge comes in when more senior career changers want to switch careers. This begs the question of "Why would you want to "lower" yourself as an intern?" Interns are not low level, but they are entry level into any business to learn the ropes before the industry trusts in your capability and that is how I would frame it. Do the in-depth research, share your passion and motivation for the new industry you are diving into because your compelling Why is what helps the company accept your unusual decision.

To position yourself, an impactful cover letter can become a written version of your pitch while projecting your confidence and capability. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your current knowledge,skills and your deep interest in knowing more about the industry you are interested in. An emphasis on how proactively learning about relevant technological innovations and how the transferrable skills that you possess can be enhanced by exposure in the field to benefit the organization alongwith inputs based upon your qualifications, experience and capabilities will help you greatly while seeking the internship.

Ready to make a career change? Here's a tip: Identify your transferable skills first! Assess what you bring to the table and highlight these gems on your resume and during interviews. Show how your skills seamlessly transition to your desired field, making you the perfect fit for that internship! Take the time to evaluate your strengths and experiences, and showcase them effectively. Highlight how your skills can easily adapt to the demands of your desired field. Embrace this opportunity for growth and show the world what you're capable of achieving in your new career path!?