Get the Most Out of Your Internship
Internships are more than a tick box on your career journey – they’re a way to discover your strengths, build key skills and unlock future opportunities. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate or career changer, an internship is the chance to get into a professional environment, try out your interests and gain valuable experience. Let’s get into how internships can really transform your career and how to get the most out of them.Try Out Your Career Interests
Choosing a career path can be tough, especially when you’re not sure what you’re passionate about. Internships are the perfect way to get hands on experience in an industry and see if it’s the right fit for you.
For example if you’re studying business, interning in areas like finance, marketing or operations can help you figure out which department aligns with your interests. Even if the internship reveals a particular role isn’t for you, it’s still valuable – it saves you time and effort down the track by helping you narrow down your focus.
Get the Most Out of It
- Approach each task with a sense of curiosity, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
- Take time to think about your experiences and how they align to your long term goals.
- Chat with colleagues about their roles and career paths to get a broader perspective.
Get Practical Experience
Classroom learning is important but there’s no substitute for real life application. Internships bridge the gap between theory and practice, so you can see how concepts you’ve learned are applied in the real world. Employers like candidates who have hands on experience of tackling real problems.
For example as a software engineering intern you might work on a feature for a live application. This hands on experience not only reinforces your technical skills but also gives you insight into team dynamics, deadlines and client requirements.
Pro Tip
- Ask for challenging tasks that stretch you.
- Document your work and the results – it could be a great talking point in future interviews.
Build Your Professional Network
Internships are the perfect time to connect with industry professionals, from your peers to experienced mentors. These relationships can give you guidance, open doors to future roles and be a support system as you navigate your career.
Whether it’s a manager who gives you valuable advice or a team member who becomes a future colleague, your internship network is a resource that extends way beyond your time in the role. Many interns get job opportunities or referrals through connections they make during their internship.
How to Build Your Network
- Attend team events and networking sessions with enthusiasm.
- Be interested in your colleagues and ask good questions.
- Stay in touch after your internship by sending occasional emails or LinkedIn messages.
Develop Key Skills
Internships are a chance to build both technical and soft skills that employers want. From mastering software tools to improving communication and problem solving skills, the skills you develop during your internship will set you apart in the job market.
For example a marketing intern might learn how to use analytics platforms to measure campaign performance, while also developing their ability to present to stakeholders. These experiences are not only tick boxes on your resume but also super valuable for your professional development.
Getting the Most Out of Skill Development
- Focus on industry relevant tools and techniques.
- Ask for feedback from your supervisor to identify areas for improvement.
- Take notes on what worked and what didn’t so you can refine your approach in future roles.
Balance and Flexibility
Many people worry about balancing internships with other commitments, such as studies or personal responsibilities. The good news is that internships today often offer flexible arrangements, including remote or part time opportunities.
For example a student might take up a part time internship with a digital agency while studying. This setup allows them to get professional experience without compromising their academic performance.
Time Management
- Use tools like task managers and calendars to stay on top of things.
- Communicate your availability to your supervisor to avoid clashes.
- Prioritise tasks by deadline and importance to balance.
Into Full Time Roles
One of the biggest benefits of internships is the potential to convert into full time roles. Many companies see internships as a talent pipeline, using the opportunity to test interns for future roles. Even if a job offer doesn’t come immediately, the experience will make you more employable.
For example a hard working intern who shows initiative and skill might be offered a junior role upon completion of their internship. Even if direct employment isn’t possible, strong performance will get you a glowing reference that opens other doors.
How to Get Future Opportunities
- Treat your internship as an extended interview—be reliable, dedicated and willing to learn.
- Take ownership of your work and go above and beyond.
- Build relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
Learn Your Way to Confidence
Starting an internship can feel daunting especially if it’s your first professional experience. But internships are meant to be learning opportunities. They’re about growth not perfection. With every challenge you face you’ll build confidence in yourself and become more prepared for future roles.
Whether it’s writing your first press release, presenting to a team or troubleshooting a technical issue, each new task will build your competence. Nobody expects you to know everything—your willingness to learn is what matters most.
How to Get Into It
- Ask questions when you’re unsure—it’s a sign of initiative not weakness.
- Celebrate small wins along the way to boost your mood.
- Reflect on your progress regularly to see how far you’ve come.
Show Tangible Results
Internships are a great way to build a portfolio of achievements. Whether you’ve optimised a process, delivered a project or introduced a new idea, these achievements are concrete evidence of your skills and value.
For example if you were a sales intern and increased client retention by 15% that’s a stat that will stand out on your resume. Employers love candidates who can show measurable results.
Showcasing Your Work
- Keep a record of your work throughout the internship.
- Quantify your results wherever you can (e.g. “streamlined a process that saved 10 hours a week”).
- Use these achievements to update your resume, LinkedIn profile and interview answers.
Conclusion
Internships are a life changing experience that goes way beyond credits or filling time. They’re a launchpad to discover your passions, build key skills and make connections that last a lifetime. By approaching your internship with curiosity, dedication and a willingness to learn you’ll open doors to new opportunities and set yourself up for a successful career.
Go for it! Intern and get learning, contributing and growing. It won’t be easy but it’ll be worth it.
