5 Best Types Of Internships For College Seniors

By Elana Goodwin on January 29, 2016

Whether you’re in your last year of college or even your last semester of undergrad, it’s not too late to look into internships for college seniors.

Having an internship allows you to get work experience, gain important skills, and make connections that may serve you well upon your graduation. Here are the best types of internships for college seniors which you may want to keep in mind if you’re considering applying for or accepting an internship.

Photo Credit: theodysseyonline.com

1. Internships in your area of interest. 

As a college senior, you’ve definitely decided on a major and have taken the necessary classes to fulfill that major — but what do you intend to do with your degree?

For some majors, like biology on a pre-med track, your path may be clearer, but for those who majored in English, psychology, music, etc., your career options are probably much more varied and you may not have quite decided what you’re going to do with your degree.

Having an internship in your area of interest as a college senior will not only boost your resume but also give you an idea of what it’s like to work in the field you’re intending to go into and what sort of job you’re both equipped for and wanting to do.

Make a list of internships that are appropriate for your major and sound interesting to you, and once you’re interning, soak up as much knowledge and experiences as you can and be sure to network.

2. Internships that help you figure out your interests.

As I said before, some majors have clearer career paths while others are broader and more diverse — so if you’re really not sure what you want to do with your degree after you graduate, look for an internship that will allow you to figure out your interests.

Internships that offer you the opportunity to wear more than one hat, work with people in different areas of the company, gain experience in a variety of fields, and require you to be responsible for a multitude of duties may help you decide what the right sort of career is for you and what jobs you’ll definitely want to stay away from.

3. Internships for a desired employer.

Of course, as a college senior, you may already have your career path all figured out — you know you want to work for a particular company, doing a particular job, in a particular location — and if you do, more power to you. But unless you have some kind of “in” with that company, you may want to consider getting an internship at that organization during your senior year — even if that internship may not be doing exactly what you hope to do in the future.

Having an internship with an employer you’re hoping to work for after graduation, even if the internship isn’t quite in your field or as glamorous as you’d like, shows you’re really passionate about that company, you’re already loyal to the company, and you’re a team player who’s willing to pitch in and do what needs to be done for the good of the company.

Don’t skip over an opportunity to get experience and make contacts at a place you’d like to work when you’re done with school — that internship will undoubtedly help you when you apply for a job there.

4. Internships that expand your skills.

If you’ve had other internships and jobs, you’ve probably got some impressive skills and know-how to put on your resume that will help you qualify for jobs after graduation.

However, maybe there was some class you’d hoped to take during your time at school that you never got around to taking or a skill you’d hoped to pick up at a previous internship that you’re not quite up-to-par on.

Your senior year internship is a great time to look for opportunities to expand or better your skill so search for internships that will have you leaving with useful abilities that will give you an edge in your job applications.

5. Paid internships.

Obviously, with graduation approaching, you’ve got money on the brain — student loans, moving to a new city, car payments — whatever your future holds, you’re going to need money. As a college senior, this may be one of the last chances you have to pursue an internship, and the best kind of internship is one that not only gets you experience, but one that will pay you for your time.

Don’t discount other great internship opportunities if they’re not paid, but if you can, you’ll want to find an amazing internship that will give you every benefit: skills, connections, experience, and money. Even an internship that doesn’t pay great is still money in the bank and worth considering.

So as a college senior, when you look into internships, keep in mind these five types to help you choose the best internship experience possible and make the most out of your senior year.

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