Finding internships can be challenging. The age-old paradox of “You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience” haunts many of us. It can be frustrating. Very frustrating. But there’s a simple solution to this problem. In this article, I will show you the easiest way to secure an internship, helping you break out of this cursed paradoxical hell-cycle.
Most top companies have stringent prerequisites for their internship programs. From crafting a solid CV to navigating various skill-based assessments and grueling interviews, the process can be overwhelming.
But, doing an internship is crucial for your development.
Why is it important to do an internship?
Internships have become a top priority for college students. Many universities require 6–9 months of internship experience as part of their degree programs. Clearly, internships are essential.
They provide a realistic preview of life after college and offer practical knowledge that textbooks alone cannot provide. Here’s why internships are crucial:
1. Practical Experience: Internships allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional work.
2. Skill Development: Internships help develop both technical and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management, which are vital for career success but often overlooked in academic settings.
3. Networking: Internships offer opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. Building a network early on can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable industry insights.
4. Resume Building: Employers often seek candidates with relevant experience. An internship showcases your capabilities, demonstrates initiative, and provides relevant experience, helping you break free from the paradoxical cycle mentioned earlier.
5. Increased Employability: With internship experience, you’re more likely to stand out in the job market. Many companies prefer hiring graduates who have completed internships as it reduces their training period.
Getting an internship is important but not always easy. However, there’s a way to make your CV stand out and increase your chances of securing one. It might not be the same as a traditional internship, but it’s an excellent start.
The solution: Forage
Forage is a platform that offers virtual internships to students. These internships, designed in collaboration with leading companies, provide participants with practical experience across various industries.
Forage allows you to explore what it’s like to work for multinational companies in your field of interest. Whether it’s engineering or law, Forage covers it all.
Sounds interesting? Keep reading, because this platform is a game changer
How to do the internship?
Participating in an internship with Forage is straightforward. Simply log in, select your career interest, and choose the company you want to intern with.
You get to choose from major names like JP Morgan, Verizon, and Citi Bank. Icing on the cake, the entire process is free and has no prerequisites.
How are the courses structured?
All the intern programmes are self-paced; so you can choose when and how long you wish to spend. They give you an estimate for how long each task will take you. Sticking to the recommendation is my advice.
The course is divided into sections, usually starting with an introductory video from a company team member. They provide an overview of the section and insights about their company.
The remainder of the section includes information about the industry and relevant tasks. These tasks are engaging and enjoyable, especially if you’re interested in the field you’ve chosen.
Why bother doing a virtual internship?
As mentioned earlier, internships are crucial for professional growth. Virtual internships offer a convenient way to gain work experience and a taste of job responsibilities. Additionally, you can quickly determine if a particular industry suits you.
If it doesn’t, you’ll save yourself considerable trouble later on. It really is perfect.
Additionally, it can help you work on your time-management skills. Check out our article to master the art of time-management. It will make doing such programmes much easier.
Last but not the least
If the benefits I’ve mentioned aren’t enough, here’s another advantage: after completing a Forage program, you receive a certificate or badge to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
This credential can make you stand out to potential employers as it showcases your initiative and industry-specific skills.
At the end of the programme, the company representatives provide tips on applying to their organization, offering advice on how to stand out and the qualities they seek in employees. It’s a sweet deal.
Words of caution
While virtual internships are fantastic, they aren’t a substitute for traditional internships. In-person internships often provide more comprehensive experience, direct workplace interaction, and a clearer path to employment.
While this method is effective to make your CV stand-out and give you a direction in which you would like to go, it’s not the real thing.
Now, that being said, it’s the perfect place to start. Doing a programme from Forage will massively boost your chances at getting into one of these top companies.
Final thoughts
Internships are a crucial step in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional work. Platforms like Forage make it easier than ever to gain meaningful experience with minimal hassle.
While virtual internships offer flexibility and valuable insights, they should complement in-person opportunities. By combining virtual experiences with other hands-on learning, you can build a well-rounded skill set and enhance your CV.
Trust me, there really aren’t any downsides. All you need to do is invest a little time. Good luck!
