The Benefits of Internships and Summer Work

Why You Should Build Your Resume Before Your Career Begins

In today’s competitive job market, there’s no such thing as wasted experience. Whether you’re in high school considering summer work or you’re in college contemplating internships, your best bet is to go for it. Spending your summers or free time working may not seem very appealing right now (especially if it’s an unpaid internship), but trust us when we say that work could very likely be the difference between securing any old job and the job of your dreams.

If you’re trying to decide if an internship or summer work suits you, the guide below lays out some important information and convincing benefits for both.

Benefit #1: Job Experience and Resume Building

Internships vs. Summer Work

The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines an internship as “a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.” Basically, an internship offers short-term career-specific learning opportunities. Some internships are paid, while others are not. Nevertheless, internships look great on resumes for potential employers because it shows that you’re serious about your career and willing to work hard–even if all you did was get coffee for everyone in the office and take care of the CEO’s dog.

Summer work, on the other hand, can be any job regardless of your desired career path. Oh, and you get paid no matter what. Just because a regular summer job isn’t tailored to your future career doesn’t mean it’s not valuable (or lucrative) job experience. You can–and should–list it on your resume and find marketable value in the skills and duties you learn and perform. If you can find that kind of worth in your experience and sell it to employers, it won’t matter to them whether that experience comes from a fancy internship or the landscaping business you worked for.

One isn’t better than the other. It just depends on what’s best for you and what meets your needs. Everybody has to start somewhere, so why not take away something to show for it and start padding that resume? 

Benefit #2: Networking, Mentorships, and References

While job experience is an obvious benefit of internships and summer work, a somewhat less obvious perk is the networking available to you in a professional setting. Regardless of whether you’re working an internship or at a restaurant, you’re going to have the opportunity to make connections with people. Take advantage of this!

Networking with coworkers and the higher-ups at your office or workplace provides you with invaluable advice, references for your resume, and even potential professional relationships further down the road. Don’t shy away from building these relationships; seek them out and learn all you can from those who’ve already advanced in their line of work–no matter what it is. 

There’s also the possibility that your employer will be so impressed by your attitude and work ethic that they offer you a permanent position, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Benefit #3: Build Confidence and Guide Career Goals

On a much more personal note, taking on an internship or working a summer job does something special for you as a human being. It builds your confidence, it teaches you about yourself, and it helps you decide what kind of career you really want. 

Maybe you’ll find out you’d rather be a social worker rather than a family lawyer, or maybe you’ll love your summer construction job so much that you decide to make a career out of it. Either way, you’ll come out of the experience with a few new skills and a little more career-savvy. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re beginning to look ahead to your education and career path, internships and summer work could be a great fit for you. The benefits far outweigh any drawbacks, and at the very least, you’ll meet some interesting people and learn a thing or two.

BCU Electric proudly offers internship opportunities for engineering and IT students, and we also offer excellent summer work positions. Reach out to our office to learn more today.

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