Internships are common among students because they are part of the academic requirement. They provide a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience workwise. It’s also an opportunity for students to secure a more permanent position in an organization/firm. These internship tips for international students reveal how.
Internships are a good start for students in the pursuit of a career. This is because it’s an avenue to build your talent, develop your skills, explore different areas of interest and learn from experts in the industry.
What then are the top tips international students can find helpful for internships?
- Create a good working relationship
- Be punctual and organised
- Know your responsibility
- Set goals
- Grow your network
Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these points.
1. Create a Good Working Relationship
Internships are generally an avenue to learn new things and gain experience. These experiences are instrumental in helping you accomplish your goals and creating a good working relationship with other staff. You’ll develop good communication skills which are important when interacting with people of different rank and file.
2. Be Punctual and Organised
“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late,” may seem extreme but is true in business and work. Your response to time workwise and otherwise speaks volumes about you so endeavour to be punctual. Furthermore, endeavour to execute tasks excellently, your bosses and colleagues will be highly impressed. They’d also be willing to recommend you for a more permanent position.
3. Know your Responsibilities
Yet another helpful internship tip for international students is knowing your responsibilities. Every organization has a work style and tasks allocated to staff/interns. Make inquiries to be sure of your responsibilities and what’s expected of you. Then proof yourself to be a competent and resourceful intern
4. Set Goals
Setting goals is so important that it keeps you highly motivated and driven. Highlight your personal goals as well as the organization’s goals and concentrate on achieving them. This will give you a laser focus and help you achieve more. Remember, you can achieve it one goal at a time. This is arguably the most pivotal internship tip for international students.
5. Grow your Network
Valuable networks play a vital role in your development and success as an individual. Being an intern affords you the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals within and outside your field. It’s your window to the world so use it judiciously by expanding your horizon and growing your network. You may just be one or two persons away from your breakthrough so network extensively.
Your internship can turn into a full-time job if you play your cards well. Leverage on the top internship tips for international students to make that dream a reality.