“Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions of your life,” said Bob Orndorff, Senior Director of Career Services. “There is no better way to explore and solidify your career choice than by participating in an internship.”
Completing an internship not only helps students learn more about their chosen career path, but can also lead to full-time employment. The National Association of College and University Executives (NACE) reported that companies will expand full-time job openings to two-thirds of interns from 2022 to 2023. That same year, more than half (53%) of eligible interns accepted offers of continued full-time employment.
“The vast majority of college students who choose a specific internship are essentially choosing their first full-time job,” Orndorff says.
Orndorff offered some tips, advice and words of wisdom for Penn State students who are interested in or actively pursuing internship opportunities.
start planning early
Orndorff said college students most often complete an internship during their junior or senior year after completing the majority of relevant courses in their academic program.
“However, it is becoming more common for students to pursue and eventually complete multiple internships during their college career,” he said. “Therefore, we recommend that students consult a career counselor as early as possible, and no later than their first or second year, to plan for career success and internships.”
develop important skills
During the internship, students learn critical skills, specifically the eight NACE career readiness competencies most valued by college employers: communication, teamwork, leadership, equity and inclusion, critical thinking, professionalism, technology, and self-esteem. and career) to further develop and hone critical skills. development.
“Internships are the perfect place to develop these very important competencies,” Orndorff says.
Employers also benefit from internships
According to Orndorff, organizations can better evaluate entry-level candidates by observing interns in action, and many employers extend internship programs to serve as pipelines to entry-level hires. It is said that there is
If you want to be sure that an employer is hiring someone who is professional, team-oriented, hard-working, and gets along well with co-workers and customers, look at them in action over a period of months rather than a set period of time. There is a need. “The interview lasted several hours,” he said. “By observing interns who may become full-time employees in the future, employers can learn who can come in early, work late, get along with everyone, produce quality work, and handle adversity well. You can know directly.”
Make the most of your internship experience
While interns should focus first and foremost on the primary responsibilities of their position, Orndorff says there are ways to further impress your boss and increase your chances of getting a full-time offer once you’ve settled into the role. spoke. He encourages interns to meet with employees within the company, gain exposure to other departments, departments, and roles, and gain a variety of career options. This also helps interns build and strengthen their professional network. Orndorff also suggests that students can show initiative by volunteering to help complete projects or tasks that have been put on the back burner.
“This is the type of commitment that employers value most in college interns,” he said.
network, network, network
“What makes Penn State unique is our vast and diverse alumni network,” Orndorff said. “Networking continues to be the most effective means of obtaining internships, and there is no stronger network than alumni. With one of the largest alumni networks in the country, Penn State students can connect with their career fields and geographies of interest. You can connect with alumni at both locations.”
Take advantage of Penn State resources
The university offers many programs, services, and resources to help students pursue and obtain internships. Orndorff urges students to:
Sign up for LionLink. LionLink is a database of Penn State alumni who have registered as career mentors or coaches for students and alumni.
Participate in career fairs held university-wide each semester and independently organized by universities, campuses, departments, and student organizations throughout the year.
