Internships and co-ops are especially important in this economy. The first benefit is that you are able to get work experience in the program you’re studying and you’ll be building your resume with relevant experience. More opportunities and doors will be open to you since wages and benefits will not limit potential employers.
Secondly and probably most importantly, you;ll begin to increase your network in that industry. Your internship can lead to paid summer employment and a full-time job once you graduate. So work hard and make an impact on the organization. Also, it’s important to stay in touch with the individuals you work with and meet during your internship. Hopefully, they’ll think of you when a paid position is available.
You’ll also have an opportunity to see what a particular job, company and industry is like before you get to the point of applying for full-time jobs. This is a huge benefit that you may not appreciate when you’re still in school.
Programs that include internship and co-op opportunities and have relationships with employers in the industry you’re interested in will hopefully help you to secure a full-time job eventually.
