The benefits of post-graduate internships

Most people associate internships with their college years. This makes sense, considering internships are most commonly held while pursuing an undergraduate degree. However, not many college students are aware of the numerous benefits that come with tackling an internship after graduation.

Breaking away from the status quo

In many cases, obtaining an internship never crosses a graduate’s mind; college is over, aren’t you supposed to find a full-time job now? Not necessarily. Finding an entry-level position right out of college can be more challenging than you might think. Even if you’ve gained experience through one internship or university involvement while an undergraduate, hiring authorities can sometimes view that as not enough experience. If that’s the case, don’t be discouraged because you’re certainly not alone. If you’re struggling to find that first post-graduate position, consider redirecting that energy toward finding an internship.

Graduates aren’t often aware they’re still eligible to apply for internship opportunities. While many of them are geared toward college students, you don’t necessarily have to be one to apply. In some cases, internships will list in the requirements that you should be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. If this is the case for an internship you think would be beneficial to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organization to inquire further — the response may surprise you. Of course, if the opportunity doesn’t indicate that being currently enrolled is mandatory, then don’t be shy submitting an application.

Bridging the gap

Despite undergraduate internships being the norm, they can often be difficult to manage. Between classes, homework, extracurriculars and other jobs, there often isn’t much time left to squeeze in anything else. With a post-graduate internship however, you have the ability to dedicate significantly more time and attention to getting the most out of the experience.

Post-graduate internships can be a great way to bridge the gap between college and joining the workforce in a full-time capacity. When students graduate from college, it’s fairly common for them to not yet have a clear picture of their career goals or what position they’d like to be in. According to Inside Higher Ed, 41 percent of recent graduates are working in a job that doesn’t require a college degree. Instead of, or in addition to working a retail job while applying to entry-level positions in your field, why not take on an internship that will help grow and strengthen your skills and résumé? Partaking in an internship could also help you narrow down exactly what it is you want to be doing by gaining first-hand experience in your field of interest.

Making valuable connections

In addition to gaining further experience, a post-graduate internship could also offer connections who will help you get your foot in the door in your industry. You hear it often: “It’s all about who you know.” Therefore, obtaining an internship could be a great way to establish meaningful connections that may play a role in your full-time job search. There is also the potential that your internship itself could turn into a more permanent role at its conclusion!

It may seem out of the ordinary to some, but completing an internship after graduating college can be extremely beneficial with the potential to jump start your career in ways you have never imagined.