If you’re a senior looking to join the job market this May, then you’re in one of two boats right now: you have a job post-graduation, or you don’t. Job-hunting is no walk in the park, and applying to full-time jobs can be tedious. As you count off the hours since sending out your last round of job applications, consider this: what about a post-grad internship?
I know what you’re thinking: “internships are for college students, and I’m graduating, right?” Well, yes and no. Yes, you are graduating, but internships are not off the table. In fact, it might be the smartest thing you can do while waiting to hear back from other employers! There are many positives that can come out of working an internship post-grad, for example:
Networking, Networking, Networking
At this point, you’re probably tired of hearing this word. But unlike the LinkedIn stalking you’ve been doing over the last couple months, this kind of networking comes easy. If you land an internship, you’ll be working cubicle-to-cubicle with the people who have the ability and resources to bring you on full-time once the internship is over. It’s time to make friends, take initiative in projects, and show people you’re ready to work!
Change of Scenery
Maybe you’re looking to get out of Connecticut, but without a full-time job can’t find a good enough reason to. Like full-time employment, many internship programs bring out-of-state employees in for work. Maybe your lifelong wish is to live near Times Square, and now’s your chance!
No Strings Attached
Not sure exactly what you want to do? Or where you want to work for that matter? Many post-grad’s fall into this category, so you’re not alone. You don’t want to get stuck in a job you hate the second you finish college. Internships allow you to snag a temporary spot at a company, doing work similar to other full-time employees. If things don’t go as planned, you can just as easily walk out the door once the internship is over, no strings attached!
First Come, First Serve
When applying to a post-grad internship, the expectations are different from when you were in college. These employers know that you don’t have to move back to school at the conclusion of the internship. Think of your internship as a trial-before-entry situation. If you impress your employer, there’s a good possibility that open positions at the company will be offered to you first before they post online to strangers!
They Hired You Once Already!
Perhaps this is stating the obvious, but securing an internship is a lot easier and includes less paperwork than an entry-level position does. If you get hired by the company of your dreams, there’s a very good possibility that they’ll hire you again into a full-time position. So don’t forget to make a good impression!
I know the pressure of securing a job or internship is not easy. Perhaps you knew all along that internships weren’t off the table and you just needed to hear it from a fellow senior. Happy internship hunting, Huskies!
