The Covid-19 pandemic put many things on hold. Students and professionals in every corner of the globe experienced changes to their studies and careers. If you were planning to travel, work, or study abroad, your plans may have been postponed or canceled. International travel is once again a possibility, but, maybe you've grown used to working from home or travel doesn't appeal to you or isn't a convenient option...then pursuing a domestic or local internship in your home country is an excellent way to make sure nothing holds you back from your professional goals.
Deciding when and how to find local internships is the first step toward making your time count. From searching “local internships around me” to speaking with friends and mentors, it can be difficult to know where to start. Do you want to apply for virtual internships or explore a new city in your home country? While there are many questions to answer, it’s important to identify both your priorities and your comfort zone to ensure you find the right placement for your specific needs.
Here are 5 reasons why you should apply for a domestic internship:
1. Make yourself competitive in a tough job market
In a tough job market where young professionals are vying for the same or similar roles, you’ll want all the skills and experience possible to stand out from the competition. Whether you’ve been laid off from your full-time job, just graduated, or are a student trying to get professional experience, doing an internship domestically shows future potential employers that you’re motivated and hard-working. It also shows you have experience in the career field and some insider knowledge already.
2. Take time to discover your passion
If you’re not quite sure what field you want to pursue or you’re hoping to discover your passion, a domestic internship can be a great opportunity to figure out your career goals. Explore a new career field and speak with professionals in top positions at prevalent firms. If you’re pursuing a national internship in the interim between graduation and a full-time role, as a summer experience, or as a way to switch fields, take advantage of this transition period and learn as much as you can to help you settle into the next phase of your life as a full-time employee.
3. Become digitally savvy
Every company, industry, and economy around the globe is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. During the pandemic, for example, many organizations switched to a remote workforce. Some of them found themselves operating nearly entirely online, and many haven't returned to an office since. Pursuing an internship domestically online is an excellent opportunity to develop digital fluency to cope with this change. Also, it will help you to become comfortable navigating the technology at the forefront of the global economy.
4. Make a career change
Maybe you’re searching for “local internships around me” because you’ve decided to make a career change. While it may seem daunting to pursue a new field, it doesn't have to be! Many professionals have moved locations, roles, and even industries. A domestic internship in a new field is the perfect way to make that transition, no matter where you are in your career.
5. Get to know a new city
While many interns will choose to pursue remote placements, interning in your home country can also allow you to get to know a new city. An internship in a destination such as New York, London, or Toronto, ensures your resume stands out. Not only will you have professional experience to show recruiters, but you’ll also have a strong understanding of how your field works and may have witnessed successes and failures first-hand.
