Finding the ideal internship requires dedication and demanding work. However, it often pays off. Not only does it provide direct experience, but it boosts your career and puts you on the right path. Many are confused about what direction they should take, which is why internships are often eye-opening experiences everyone should experience.
While applying for them was a hassle a few years ago, everything is much easier in the digitalized world. You can now apply online, contact professors, check reviews, and chat with individuals who have experienced it. But where can you find internships? Here is the ultimate guide to finding online internships through the best websites.
What is Internship Exactly?
What is Internship Exactly?When searching for the definition of “internship,” Cambridge Dictionary prompts you with the adequate one. It explains it as “a period during which someone works for a company or organization to get experience of a particular type of work.”
To further expand on the definition, think about an internship as a short-lived experience. You will work for an organization under other people to train within the field. The interns are mostly students, and quite likely ones from college.
The best-case scenario is when interns work within the field of their choice to enhance their knowledge and experience further. An internship, ideally, provides you with that. It allows you to dive deeper into your field and expand your career.
Let us provide you with a relevant example. For instance, if a student is studying physics at university and hoping to attain an undergraduate degree, an internship is one of the best options to accelerate their career. They can work in an observatory to witness what it is like to be an astronomer or work with a professor by conducting research.
Regardless, when you want to find an internship, the first criterion is working in a position you believe you will enjoy and learn from. However, it is essential to keep in mind that, according to CNBC, over 40% of interns in the USA are unpaid. It is important to note that being an intern is not an experience that earns money. Instead, it allows you to gain insight and perspective.
Does College Internship Matter?
When you are in college, you might find yourself seeking to find what you want to do with the rest of your life. Now and then, you hear of someone applying for an internship or experiencing one. A persistent question that might be bugging you is whether a college internship matters.
The short answer is yes. An internship organization or otherwise works as an asset on your resume. Below are the top reasons why an internship should be one of your top priorities in college.
Stand Out in the Pool of Applicants
Well, when you are applying for jobs in the future, you might eliminate the entry-level position simply because you have a relevant internship. However, according to Pew Research Center, as of 2021, 37.9% of adults in the USA aged 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree. That means the competition is high, especially for in-demand jobs.
In other words, internships provide you with an edge. Recruiters are looking for more than just stellar college grades. Instead, the more experience you obtain, the more likely the company will hire you.
Boost Your Confidence
You must know that attaining knowledge does not cease when you leave the gates of your college or school. Instead, it is a never-ending process, which is enjoyable if you are doing something you genuinely love. During an internship, the mentors and employees know you are here to learn. Hence, you will have the room to gain support, appreciation, and extensive knowledge with little judgment.
Find Out Your Passion
Only some people pursue their dream career as soon as they entire college. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80% of college students change their majors throughout their educational journey.
There is no harm or shame in changing your major. Through an internship, you might make the process easier and find out what you want to do or not do earlier in your life.
What are the Best Websites to Find Internships?
Hunting for the best websites to find internships can be complicated. However, the following list offers you the best websites to search for internships. Each has its specifications, but they all provide unique and excellent experiences.
Chegg Internships
Chegg internships provide a unique experience for students. The search tool is user-friendly and optimized to search for specific positions and filter through cities. It also offers various articles to assist you in settling on the ideal opportunity for you.
Idealist
Idealist is a non-profit organization that is based in New York. While it contains more than just internships, as it includes volunteering opportunities and work positions, it is an excellent opportunity for any individual.
Remember that the positions offered are often ones open in other non-profit organizations. Hence, if you want to work with the Natural Resources Defense Council, United 4 Social Change, or other similar places, this might be your website.
Glassdoor
One of the best internship sites is Glassdoor. You will find both job and internship openings when searching for a position. However, it is clear what each company is offering. The remarkable thing about this website is that it allows you to gain an in-depth insight into each company, including its descriptions, ratings, details, and previous experiences.
You might have heard a few people recommending LinkedIn internships for a good reason. This is one of the most interactive yet professional websites. You can contact people from a particular company, check their profiles, and post about the company and your position.
However, we recommend that you have an excellent profile to seem more interactive to recruiters. Ensure you build a professional profile with a description, a profile picture, and a deep analysis of the most critical positions and achievements.
Indeed
Indeed is quite like the other platforms. It is one of the sites to look for internships. It provides various filters, such as whether you want a remote one, the estimated salary, the job position type, and the education you are pursuing.
How to Choose the Right Internship Program for You?
After working about where to find internships for college students, your next question should revolve around how to decide on the perfect one. Now, remember that this opportunity is meant to provide insight into the field you are studying. Hence, the first thing to do is find a position you will genuinely enjoy and learn from. Other than that, below is a list of things to look out for:
- Talk to your advisor or professor: if you are a chemistry major, you might know there are not opportunities. The best option you might have is to talk to a superior and ask for advice.
- One that allows you to build your knowledge: do not reach out for an irrelevant and accessible position. Instead, find one that will teach you novel skills, enhance your knowledge base, and keep you on your toes.
- Reach out to companies and bosses: the thing is, you will know if the job suits you once you receive further details. Be bold in contacting the company or institute.
- Find previous interns: search for online forums or Facebook groups that contain prospective interns or previous ones from the internship position you want to apply to. Contacting them and asking them about their experience might help you.
- Evaluate your goals: as a business major, you have multiple opportunities in front of you. However, do you want to be on the management team or the marketing one? Find out what interests you most, which allows you to narrow down the applications you will be sending out.
Wrapping Things Up: 5 Websites to Find Internships
The bottom line is that internships are a valuable part of every student’s journey. Many universities even mandate such experiences to advance their pupil’s careers. Even if your college does not, it is not a bad idea to search for one and gain experience within your field. As mentioned above, it provides you with an advantage over others.
The more internships you have, the more of an advantage you have. In other words, if your experience is relevant, there is no harm in searching for one and spending the summer doing something other than studying.
Want to read more about internships? We’ve got a range of articles that may interest you.
