For some people, taking a gap year is an incisive opportunity to boost their career prospects, whilst also offering a head-start when commencing further education. With so much competition in the job market, an internship can add some ‘Wow-factor’ to your CV…Yes, employers do use that term, not just stylists!
Many large companies offer paid internships, as they provide a cost-effective opportunity to recruit eager, short-term employees, with scope for internal headhunting, snapping up the future movers and shakers of the industry. Fear not though, employers don’t get to drink all of the milkshake, as internships also carry benefits for the intern.
One such benefit is its capacity to guide your decision regarding your future plans. For example, you may have a very particular career ambition, let’s throw the cat among the pigeons and say director of a zoo (or should that be ‘throw the lion among the paying public’?). Although this may be your ultimate goal, getting there presents a far more uncertain task. Selecting the most appropriate university course may have caused some head scratching, and hands-on experience in an associated role may help clarify the best route to achieving your target. Even if you’ve firmly set out your route through further education, an internship in your sector can offer some serious gloss to your CV, as well as help to sit you at the top of your class when returning to studies. The mentorship which comes with an internship would help you gain invaluable insight, enhancing your understanding of the day-to-day working of the industry.
With many 6-12-month internships offering competitive salaries, it also presents an ideal opportunity to establish a solid financial basis for your further education, meaning you may even be able to splash out on brand-name meat, rather than Asda value, inevitably making you the envy of your housemates! One of the benefits for the employer could also work in your favour, as they look to scout potential future employees. Through hard work and a great attitude, there is the distinct possibility that you could secure a job for when you complete your studies, taking considerable weight off of your shoulders when approaching your final year of education (maybe even allowing you to toast your graduation with a bit of bubbly without feeling guilty about the cost!).
If an internship is an opportunity you wish to pursue, companies such as Student Ladder offer links to openings, as well as further information about what to expect. Alternatively, searching companies in the sector you wish to work could lead to the discovery of attractive placements. If you wish to work in the media (a bit of a leap from the zoo), for instance, broadcasters such as the BBC and BSkyB offer highly sought after internships and placements, which would considerably enhance your career prospects.
It is worth being prepared for the possibility that you may be offered a permanent position on the completion of your internship, though this would require an exceptional contribution on your part, which may cause a dilemma on whether or not to continue with your plans for further education. Although you should never rest on your laurels, a rough plan for such a circumstance may lead to a smoother transition at the end of your placement.