Why should you consider completing an internship before starting a degree?

You have probably heard of University students and recent graduates signing up for internships, but did you know that it is also super beneficial for high school students? It is definitely something you should consider before starting a degree. According to The Society for Human Resource Management, 90% of employers agreed that high school internship programs can help students get into better colleges!

An internship program is a great way to trial a field or industry before committing to a degree and a career in a specific area. It is a lot like a work experience/mentorship program with support and monitoring. Tasks and projects are entry-level and designed in a way that allows applicants to be exposed to the real-life professional setting and on the job training.  Students will learn and develop a variety of soft skills as well as practical skills in the area/industry of their interest.

Here are 4 key reasons you should complete an internship as a high school student / high school graduate:

Reason # 1: An internship looks impressive on your University application

A professional work experience makes you stand out from the crowd and shows that you are prepared to go the ‘extra mile’. You will make an impression of being motivated, driven and dedicated. Universities and colleges like to see that you are proactive and keen to take initiative - especially if this is something related to your intended degree.

Reason # 2: You will learn practical skills related to your future field of study

Most likely this will be your first experience of what it is like to be a part of a company. It will be a life-changing experience that will not only help you develop practical skills but will also provide you with plenty of opportunities to learn soft skills such as working in a team, time management, problem-solving, work ethic. It is a guarantee that you will gain confidence and maturity; you will develop as a person and as a professional. All essential aspects and skills of being a successful University student and later a successful employee.

There’s no better way to experience your field than with hands-on the job training. Before committing to a profession, it is a good idea to get a sense of whether it truly fits with your personality, goals, and skillset.

An internship will give you a real introduction to your intended career path and let you know more about your field in general.

This can also potentially work as an eye-opener and you may realise that your dream field of study is not for you. After taking an internship in your intended area, you may find it’s not exactly what you had hoped. It’s better to find out now than later on after you’ve graduated.

Reason # 3: It will give you work experience to include in your CV

An internship will also look great on your resume - for future job applications. Of course, if you decide to go forward with this particular field. You will already have related work experience under your belt even if you choose not to work during Uni. This will assist enormously with your CV, future job applications, job interviews, and self-confidence when it comes to starting your career.

And even though you will be interning while still in high school or just graduated, it could lead to a job offer down the line from the company, non-profit, or other organization you work with. It’s quite common to be offered a position this way!

Reason # 4: It will help you expand your contacts and networks

 Networking is much more than opening a Facebook or LinkedIn account. It is about building a solid network of long-term professional relationships – and it’s great to start early. Having an opportunity to build a network is another benefit that comes out of doing an internship.

Being an intern will help you create connections that can help you through university, but may also result in some great positions or careers after you graduate. Make sure to keep up those connections too — whether it be working at the company during the summer and/or adding them on LinkedIn.

In conclusion, completing an internship as a high school student / high school graduate will provide you with a unique experience and a chance to develop a series of skills related to your future area of study that, most of the time, you don't learn in a classroom. This is why an internship experience is so extremely valuable.

It’s never too early to start thinking seriously about an internship! Talk to your career counsellor or look online for internship opportunities in your area. You are always welcome to contact Australian Internships and explore options that we have available.