One key element about the job search requirement you can’t skip is the level of experience. But does it make sense for a fresh graduate whose job was to acquire the required industry knowledge?

Cambridge Dictionary defines Internship as “a period of time during which someone works for a company or organisation in order to get experience of a particular type of work:” During an internship, the student is provided practical experience in several areas of work and the most important part of internships is that they blend theory with practical application and the student’s skills are honed.

It is important to note that job roles are changing daily, and with it, the skills, experience, and other requirements needed to participate in that growth are too. The job market is a competitive one, and often that is a tough experience for fresh graduates. This is a big reason behind the need to apply what is learned through internship opportunities.

This, amongst other reasons, is why you should intern.

Apply Theory. 

When you are accepted to intern, you will apply classroom knowledge to real-world experience. You can’t do this any better than in the workplace.

Network. 

There is no greater way to build professional network than working as an intern. There is a very high chance of securing a job when you are connected with professional people as a fresh graduate.

Learn professional workplace operations. 

Depending on your area of interest, you will have a first-hand knowledge and actual experience about how companies thrive and function including understanding workplace culture, employee relations, and corporate reporting structure. All this would onboard you seamlessly in your first professional job.

Develop Skills. 

Internships hone students’ soft skills needed in the workplace and in leadership positions. Today most corporations rate soft skills as being more important than technical skills. You can learn and improve skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, all of which can be useful beyond that experience.

Gain experience. 

Having an internship gives you experience in many areas of work, including work ethics and workplace leadership. This gives individuals an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs. Not only that, it also builds confidence in their work.

Build your resume. 

Most organisations and jobs that you apply to after graduation want employees to have some sort of professional experience, even for entry-level jobs. When you are lucky to be a finalist competing for a role, level of experience comes to play. You may lose out on a job opportunity, so make sure you at least have one internship on your resume before leaving university. You will become competitive.