Internships: The New Entry Level Position

Even with jobs increasing, is applying for entry level positions really the way to go?

Just like resumes, searching through Career Builder & Monster are outdated...here's why:

  
1) Useful Experience. Most entry level positions are just that. Menial work for menial pay. When searching for internships, look for experience in areas you want to grow in. Normally there is more than one position available, so you'll have the chance to collaborate with others while observing how your supervisors get the job done. Be a student and learn from those above you.

2) A Chance to Prove Yourself. Internships are a form of leadership development. Someone is overseeing you and there's a chance that if you rise to the top, your internship can turn into a full-time position. Entry level workers are usually trained, then left alone. Interns are watched over and usually do a decent amount of shadowing. A good recommendation from within can go much further than anything you can put on your resume.

3) Internships create Flexibility. When you agree to an internship, there's usually an end date. If you're a student, there's many opportunities to take on multiple internships during your career. Let's be honest. Most people don't have a clear idea of what they want to do. Part of figuring out your career direction is trying different things and eliminating your choices. How do you know if you can do something for a long time if you don't have any experience doing it?

With community colleges recently turning away 400,000 students, traditional education has it's downside. Even with a college degree, you are guaranteed nothing. At least with an internship you have experience and someone advocating for you (that's if you work hard). Think about it. What gives you a better chance to succeed than an internship?