As a recent university graduate, it’s time to find a job or internship. The ideal internships for recent graduates are those that allow you to build the foundations of a successful career. You’ll need to build up a network and showcase your skills, all while making yourself stand out.
Internships abroad are the perfect way to accomplish all of those things with just one position. Although there are many applicants with your exact degree and extracurricular activity experience, there are very few who have professional experience in another country. Here are four benefits of internships for recent graduates.
One of the most important elements of the transition from student to young professional is networking. Your first position after university should allow you to meet people in your industry and build up a strong professional network. These connections will allow you to move around more easily within the professional sphere, and people will think of you when positions open at their company. Building personal connections at your internship will also make it easy to ask for letters of recommendation, which add merit to any application.
Regardless of your chosen career field, there are a few key skills you’ll need. Internships for recent graduates will help young professionals to develop these skills. The best skills are transferable to different careers. Choose an internship that allows you to demonstrate your professional communication skills, as well as your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Many international internships also offer the opportunity to take on leadership roles, in the form of managing a project or leading a presentation. Focus on customer service skills, writing skills, and of course organization and time management.
As a young professional, there is nothing more useful than a mentor. Use your internship as an opportunity to find people you admire and respect. Whether in a formal mentorship or something more informal, the input and advice of a seasoned professional is invaluable. Asking them for guidance might be the hardest part, but it is definitely worth it. Many larger companies offer mentorship programs, making it easy for young professionals to get paired with a mentor.
Thousands of students graduate from university every year, many of them with the same honors and qualifications. In a competitive job market, it is essential to have something that makes you stand out. Employers are looking for well-rounded, experienced young professionals who are capable of growing in a role and industry. Interning abroad is the best way to demonstrate that you are globally minded and culturally sensitive. An international internship also demonstrates that you are flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in any environment.
Photos: