Following the definition of the word “Internship”, it is clearly stated as a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a student’s field of study or career interest. Within a stipulated period that ranges from a few months to about a year, with or without a payment offer, a student is exposed to the work environment of their particular field of study.
This experience, no matter how short, further exposes a student to the possible pros and cons of the career they hope to break into; the challenges that come with it, the skills required to properly manage the job, the daily responsibilities that come with their job role and the team they may be working with.
There are 3 parties usually involved in the internship process of any & every student; 1. The School/Institution of Study
2. The Student Involved.
3. The employer/ The Hiring Company.
A brief look at what each of this party stands to gain will be an eye opener as to if partaking in an internship is really worth the while of anyone.
The Institution Of Study-
One vital aim of this process was to consolidate the theoretical learning of each student and in some way prepare them mentally for what they could encounter while in the work field. Justifying the phrase “Practice makes perfect”, the more an average student puts theory into practice, the better the chances of assimilation.
A student’s internship role at a reputable organisation can prove to be a leverage for the school to attract more population. Imagine being told that studying at their institution could offer you a chance to serve at one of the top organisations.
Bonus point: Employers who have previously gotten smart and resourceful interns from a particular institution will be more open to hiring more students from them with the belief that they produce refined students.
All of this would mean that it’s a win for the school, as they stand to gain exposure, good reputation and networking opportunities.
The Student Involved-
Regardless of the chosen field or the length of the internship, the most notable benefit of interning for an average student is the chance to obtain valuable work experience that hones and refine their soft and technical skills. This process in one way or the other builds the student’s confidence and interest to advance in the chosen career field.
It cannot be denied that during this period, a student’s abilities are stretched, it could possibly require a lot of their time and attention but we cannot overlook their chances to build a strong resume, access professional networking, learn if the career is right for them, be prepared for graduate roles and have a better understanding of that career field.
Monetary benefit is also one to note, if we put into cognisance the few internship roles that offer payment to the student.
The Employer-
For most organisations, employment of labour automatically equates to talent acquisition. Every talent they acquire is bound to help grow the company using different skill sets. They have quick access to active minds with up-to-date knowledge therefore enhancing productivity.
Let’s also bring into perspective the organisation’s chance to build a network with the various institutions and increase the employer’s visibility.
Notably, acquisition of interns is one of the employer’s ways of giving back to the development of the community. A developed community is a chance for a healthy organisation to thrive.
By and large, it can be safely acknowledged that industrial training, otherwise known as Internship does serve a lot of meaningful purpose to the society and the individuals taking part of it. It’s a vital part of a learning process that should not be overlooked.