Column of Knowledge | By Jennifer Cekus

Value of an Internship

Everyone’s heard the old adage: You can’t get a job without experience and you can’t get experience without the job. It’s a tough obstacle to overcome, but many college students are finding a way around it – by completing an internship before graduation.
Internships have multiple values; of course, they provide that desperately needed work experience, but they also help the student see the real world of work from the inside out, form connections and determine if the chosen industry is actually the right one to pursue.

From building a professional portfolio to identifying professionals to contact for job recommendations, internship experience is priceless.

I actually completed two internships while in college. My plan had been to be a television news reporter, and I was fortunate to land my first internship with ABC News in Washington, D.C. The internship was fascinating, although I did learn that life as a reporter is not always the excitement and glamour we see on TV.

There are many hours of sitting through press conferences, coaxing hesitant people to speak on camera, researching topics, asking questions and appearing knowledgeable on a topic about which you know very little. There are hours spent logging tape and working with editors so that your minute and a half on air looks spectacular. Just the same, I wanted more.

I arranged for a second internship with WTAE-TV here in Pittsburgh. Having my D.C. experience with ABC, I was able to jump right into larger roles with Channel 4. Even though I would not appear on camera, I was often sent on stories in place of an actual reporter. There is where I began to learn that being an on-air reporter was not for me.

The excitement was still there, but the glamour was definitely diminishing. The rookie reporters were usually the ones reporting live from the fire/flood/accident scene on Christmas Day; holidays often are spent with broadcast colleagues, not with the family. Deadlines, at times, seemed impossible and it’s frustrating not to be able to display your best work when something happens at 4:15 and the story has to air on the 5:00 news.

So, I’m not a television reporter, but these experiences were definitely not lost on me. Connections I formed have aided in each job I’ve held since graduating from college, my confidence and public speaking skills were strengthened, and my work ethic has only continued to grow. I now know what it is I want to do and what I don’t.

What’s most important is to remember the value of experience. The on-the-job training and exposure you can receive through an internship far surpasses the wages, if any, you earn. In fact, many internships are unpaid if you are receiving college credit.

When lining up an internship, be sure to work out all details regarding days, hours, earnings or paperwork to ensure your experience meets your college requirement. Plan to work at least two to three days per week to really get the most from the experience. And make sure you have a plan going in so you can work and observe the areas within the company that you really want to learn about.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to create your experience and make the most of your opportunities. This is your future you’re shaping. Take responsibility for it and you’ll never look back with regrets.

Jennifer is a Career Development Specialist for Pittsburgh Technical Institute, a postsecondary career college awarding graduates associate degrees and certificates in business, design, computer, technical, medical, safety, travel and hospitality majors. PTI has campuses in Oakdale and in Cranberry at the Regional Learning Alliance. The institution provides financial aid planning for all prospective and current students. For more information visit www.pti.edu or call 412-809-5100.