Things to consider before accepting an "InternSHIP"

Internships: the new fad!

Internships are part of the undergraduate education of a student. It gives insight into the 'real world'. These are not only in the field of medical, it or law - young interns are in demand in all fields from business to journalism to retail.

Tick the checklist

With so many platforms open for Gen Y, how to choose the best one for you? Surely, you don't want to waste 4-6 weeks at a place which doesn't help your career prospects. Here is a checklist to guide you...

Do you have the skills?

Choose the program which suits your skills. Internship is a tiny step to test the skills you think you possess for a job. So the work should fit your profile. If you are from an engineering background, then your internship shouldn't be in marketing or sales. If you are from humanities and wish to join journalism, then your internship shouldn't be as a lab assistant.

What are the long-term benefits?

Will the internship help you in securing your dream job? Or, are there better options available? If you are aiming for higher studies, then will the internship add to your CV? Ask yourself these questions before accepting any offer.

What is the work like?

Interns are at the bottom of the food chain in any office. But they are an integral part of the organisation and the work provides them with invaluable experience. Thus, make sure the work you perform helps you to gain important skills as well as real-time knowledge of the field you are aiming for.

How many hours?

Your work hours can be the same as other employees or less. Since you are a student, your work hours need to balance your studies. Choose an internship which suits your daily routine.
Tip: Make use of those long holidays!

Where is the office?

It is better to intern at a place which can be a part of your future plans. But since that's not possible every time, choose an institution which will provide the best guidance. It's not necessary that the firm should be a big player it just needs to have the required resources. You are at a learning stage, so be prepared for hard work.

Stipend or no stipend?

Lastly, you should know whether you will be earning any stipend or not. This should be the last thing on your checklist because it is not important that you get paid. The experience and insight is your ultimate gain. The money should not be your priority unless you are hard pressed for it.

-"It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do, we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do" - Steve