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How to choose the right internship

Gordon Scott

Updated Jul 06, 2023

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Introduction
Why is work experience important?
How to make the most of your work experience
How does work-integrated learning work?

Work placement

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Written by Successful Graduate

Internships, work placements and work-integrated learning (WIL) are all great ways to gain valuable experience in your field of study and improve your employability prospects upon graduation.

Internships and work placements are typically short-term, paid or unpaid positions that offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study. These experiences can help you develop skills and knowledge that you cannot learn in the classroom.

According to the University of Melbourne’s Careers and Employability team: “Internships and work placements help you to develop essential skills that employers are looking for in graduates, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and project management skills.”

Additionally, internships and work placements provide students with the opportunity to network with professionals in their field, which can be invaluable when it comes to finding employment after graduation.

Why is work experience important?

One of the key benefits of internships, work placements and WIL experiences is that they allow students to explore different career paths and gain a better understanding of what they want to do after graduation. These experiences can help students to build a professional network and make connections that could lead to employment opportunities in the future.

To make the most of these opportunities, it is important to approach them with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. It is also essential to be proactive in seeking out opportunities and to apply early, as these experiences can be highly competitive.

How to make the most of your work experience

Successfulgraduate.com offers some great tips for making the most of internships and work placements, including:

Set clear goals for what you want to achieve during your placement.
Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and gain experience.
Take on new challenges and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Build relationships with your colleagues and network with professionals in your field.
Reflect on your experiences and think about how you can apply what you have learned to your future career.

Here is a video about choosing the right internship to suit you.

How does work-integrated learning work?

Work-integrated learning is a more extensive form of experiential learning that is often incorporated into degree programmes. This type of learning combines academic study with practical work experience, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of their field of study and how it applies in the real world.

WIL experiences can range from short-term placements to longer-term internships and can be completed in a variety of settings, including industry, community organisations and government agencies.

According to the University of Technology Sydney: “WIL can help you to gain experience and develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. It can also give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your chances of finding employment after graduation.”

Finally, it is important to remember that internships, work placements and WIL experiences are just one part of building a successful career. It is also essential to develop other employability skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, and to actively seek out opportunities to build these skills.

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

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careers advice

work experience