December 9, 2022 The Modern World of Internships

In fields ranging from manufacturing to sales, internships are very important. Read on to learn about the modern world of internships.

Internships are once again in high demand as burgeoning employees look to jump-start their careers. Internships allow new workers to gain experience working under an employer for an extended period of time. They can give you the opportunity to figure out if a particular field is something you’d like to pursue or if a particular employer is one you’d like to continue working for afterward. You may choose another career path once the internship is over. Here’s a look at the current landscape of internships.

Different Types of Internships

One of the first steps in the process is figuring out the type of internship that you’d like to pursue. Keep in mind that most internships are unpaid. As such, they’re often offered primarily to college students or only offer college credit. Employers view internships as an opportunity for workers to gain experience instead of earning income. However, unpaid internships are subject to multiple labor guidelines. Some companies do offer paid internships as a way to attract top talent.

Key Experience From Internships

Starting an internship allows you to gain significant hands-on training. The time you spend learning about a different skill is something that you can carry with you for the rest of your life. You’ll receive a firsthand look at how work environments operate on a daily basis. This can give you an idea of what to expect once you officially enter the workforce. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about your strengths and weaknesses through trial and error.

A Leg Up on the Competition

Another key benefit of pursuing an internship is the potential advantages you’ll have over similar workers who are also looking to enter the workforce. Entering the market with some work experience under your belt makes you more attractive to employers compared to talent who haven’t gotten those opportunities. Going through an internship leads employers to believe that you’ll require less training starting off, and you’ll be equipped to handle a more demanding workload. You’ll likely also receive a higher initial salary compared to inexperienced workers.

Possibility of Working Remotely

According to a recent study, more than 20 million Americans are planning to move as a result of remote work. Virtual internships are appealing to new employees entering the workforce. Remote internships are more convenient for many workers because they can save money by avoiding transportation costs. The fact that you won’t have to commute to and from an office location can leave a gap in your schedule to earn money through another endeavor. You’ll also save money on wardrobe costs since remote settings often allow for a more relaxed or casual dress code.

Ease of Avoiding Hard Decisions

In the past, most workers would face a tough decision if an internship they really liked was in another state. If you wanted to pursue a manufacturing internship in another state, you’d likely be responsible for covering your moving costs. That type of financial strain can be damaging, especially if you don’t have consistent income coming in. However, remote internships have leveled the playing field. You can apply for internships in different states without having to worry about potential moving costs. You have the ability to find an internship that you’re generally interested in regardless of location.

General Flexibility

According to a recent study, non-exempt workers make up almost 60 percent of the total workforce in the United States. You have the ability to set your own schedule since you won’t be working in a traditional office environment. You can work at home or in a nearby area depending on the responsibilities of your internship. Remote internships provide a layer of comfort that could help improve your productivity.

Freelancing Options

Perhaps you plan to use the internship to prepare for a career as a freelancer. A recent study showed that freelance workers are projected to make up the majority of the workforce in the United States by 2028. Working as a freelancer gives you full autonomy over your career. Your potential earnings are limitless and you can often experience a level of variety in your work that’s difficult to achieve in standard full-time employment.

Internship opportunities continue to evolve over time. Use this guide to help prepare for the next step in your career, whether that includes internships, freelance work, or otherwise. Make sure to do as much research as you can on the field you’re interested in pursuing long-term and the experience you’ll need to acquire before being eligible for your dream position.

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