Intern employment can be paid or unpaid but your primary focus should primarily be on acquiring experience and obtaining vital industry contacts. Even when internship is paid, pay is often so small as to border on being insignificant and will often only barely cover your basic costs such as transport and lunch. If you are a student looking for an internship that will count towards you academic credits, make sure you get clearance from your college on which companies you can work for and earn credits and which ones you cannot. There are a number of key points to consider as you look for intern work.
Selecting the organization
As you select the organization you want to work for, one aspect you need to consider is the size of the establishment. Do you want to work for a large multi-national corporation or a small family owned business? Several factors will contribute to this decision the primary one being the type of work experience you require. Working in a smaller company has the advantage of allowing you to get a feel of a wide range of day to day tasks in the business.
Obtaining intern employment in a larger corporation on the other hand gives you a large scale view of operational structure and organizational hierarchy in your chosen career. This larger view provides a realistic picture of the job possibilities in the industry given your academic qualification. Bigger organizations also provide a better chance of interacting with the most influential persons in the business who may play a part in not only hiring you on a permanent basis but can also be the source of a powerful letter of reference due to their easily recognizable name or reputation.
Selecting a Location
Geography is another important factor to consider. If you are not intent on moving to another state or city for your internship, then your focus would be on looking for intern work at a company within your community. But if you are interested in a broader experience, then you should also consider internships that might take you out of your home area. You could even look for an internship overseas so as to better your appreciation of different cultures.
It is one thing to be competent at your job; but having insight into the way different countries and states operate will always make you more effective and make your resume more attractive for future employers. However, when looking for internships outside your home, make sure you clarify what costs you are expected to foot and those that the company you will be working for will take up. You do not want to move over to a different state for an internship only to find out that you do not have enough money to cater for your accommodation and food.
Financial Considerations
Intern work is normally not a paid position; but as with any rule there may be and are exceptions. As a college student you should temper your expectations by not expecting to be paid for an internship; you already are benefiting on the sense that it factors into your academic credits. However, if you have already graduated and are looking into breaking into the job market or are someone that is contemplating a career change, then a paid internship will be the preferred alternative. That way, you can cater for your living expenses as you gain vital work experience. Some companies consider it a rule to pay internships as a way of motivating them for better productivity.
Remember that looking for intern employment requires the same level of effort as looking for a job; internships in top rated organizations can be very competitive. It is important that you revise your resume and make sure it is sharp and up to date before you start applying for jobs. Go through the key requirements for acing an interview. Make sure you find an intern position that complements your future career goals.
