Internships: Launch Your Career
By: Cyrus, Editor in Chief National Edition

November 17, 1999

Internships provide a great way to explore a career before you actually go out into the workforce. Usually unpaid, internships allow students to work alongside professionals in different industries to see what happens and what the work is like, as well as to learn about the industry itself.

Sometimes internships are advertised, but often you can just call companies in which you have interest and they will tell you whether or not they have an internship program. Sometimes, companies without a formal program will take on an intern if your interest is great enough and your skills are appropriate. They may ask for a resume, writing sample, recommendations, or other information. Sometimes, internships are extremely competitive, so make sure any material you supply is of the highest quality.

Even once you graduate, internships are sometimes a good way to establish yourself within an industry. For example, theatrical internships are often reserved for people who already have plenty of training and are starting their full-time careers. Hundreds of people compete for every position at certain companies. However, other companies have plenty of openings and it is far less difficult to be accepted.

The best way to find out which companies are which is to call and ask. Internet research is also helpful - through the web, you can get information such as location, phone number, email addresses, and facts on what the company or organization actually does.