There has been a real debate in the media recently about the value of internships. Does completing an internship, whether it is paid or voluntary offer any insight into a possible career and does it enhance your CV?
Many careers and graduate recruitment experts are now advising undergraduates to build up relevant work experience as soon as they can, including while they study for their degree.
Building a CV of solid experience in a workplace environment through an internship can give you that edge over your peers, especially when you’re chasing a dream role. Building and adding to your skills portfolio will make you more employable in the future. It will also build confidence in your skills and abilities and establish in your own mind the career path for you.
The latest High Fliers Research into the Graduate Market in 2012 has revealed that a third of this year’s entry-level positions will be filled by graduates who have already worked for the organisation during an internship or placement.
Two recent graduates that have completed internships through Graduate Advantage gave us their views of their experience, as well as how it’s helping them establish their careers.
Daniel’s view
During my internship at C W Communications I have been given a broad range of tasks and consequently gathered an insight into all parts of the business. Tasks have included: undertaking market research and analysis on business development projects, assisting the editorial team on researching and creating content for social media and tone of voice guidelines, creating content for C W’s external marketing and communications. I have been given immediate responsibility too. In my first week I participated in a major business brief, which C W successfully won on behalf of a major UK consumer brand.
I have also taken part in high-level meetings. In discussions my thoughts have been respected and encouraged by my colleagues. Despite them having a wealth of experience across all business sectors that they can leverage to help businesses communicate more effectively with their target audiences, the team have really welcomed my suggestions. This willingness to be receptive to new ideas and keenness to keep abreast of new developments pervades throughout C W and helps to meet clients’ objectives and thus create content that works.
Furthermore, my colleagues have shown great willingness to impart their wisdom, which I have gained greatly from. I have been encouraged to get involved in a range of different tasks which has given me a wealth of experiences that I could present on my CV and draw upon in interviews.
Everyone has been helpful and approachable and I have been made to feel part of the team. I feel I have developed immensely from my time at C W and this experience will set me in good stead in my new role.
William’s view
An Information Technology graduate from University of Wolverhampton, William recently completed a voluntary internship at a Marketing and Communications company and gained experience in web development.
During his internship, William got involved with setting up a WordPress website, assisting with marketing and web projects and design tasks in Photoshop and Illustrator. He also supported the directors on the rebrand of a college by putting forward some ideas and giving opinions on the new college logo, which he really enjoyed.
William strongly believes that the internship has helped him to gain relevant industry experience, he commented, “I would highly recommend the project to graduates in the West Midlands who are looking to gain industry experience. Without this internship I wouldn’t have been able to experience and gain new skills in web design/ development.”
Even though William completed a voluntary internship he was able to take advantage of the Travel Expenses Fund set-up by Graduate Advantage, which supports graduates up to a maximum of £25 per week when using public transport.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do the internship if the travel expenses weren’t offered. Travelling from Telford to Birmingham each day to my internship company would have cost me a lot each week and this would have meant me missing out on the internship opportunity,” he added.
