If you’re starting your undergrad or have already begun, you’ll hear this one word a lot: INTERNSHIP! No matter how good you are at your art, having a degree is no longer sufficient. Employers look for previous work experience when hiring candidates for jobs. As a result, in today’s world, your work experience is just as valuable as your degree. As a result, internships have become a way for candidates to stand out from the rest.
During my three years of graduation, I applied for 4-5 internships, and each internship taught me something. Here’s a reality check based on my internship experiences and what I learned:
Confirmation mail
My first internship as a content writer began with a Digital Marketing Agency in the summer of 2020. My work was adequate, but the most difficult task for me was writing B2B blog articles. It was a two-month internship, but I was unable to complete it due to unforeseen circumstances. To maintain my professionalism, instead of simply quitting, I discussed it with my HR Manager and negotiated. I was told that I would receive my one-month internship certificate but no stipend, and I was absolutely fine with that. But I made a mistake here: I didn’t request a confirmation email, which resulted in me not receiving my certificate.
Clear goals and portfolio
My next content writing internship was a living nightmare! I applied as a content writer, but the entire team suffered as a result of their unclear goals and portfolios. Portfolios used to get mixed up all the time. The content writer would work as video editor, the PR Manager as content writer, photographer as PR Manager, and so on. Even though our profiles were switched sometimes, we never had any problems because we always worked together. The real issue arose when goals became unclear. We were told to create 4-5 pieces of content per day that would appeal to viewers. However, once the work was completed, we were informed that they were not posting content to attract viewers and that we needed to redo it.
Time management
The hype of mobile and PC games such as COD, PUBG, Valorant, and others, as well as seeing people make careers in Esports, sparked my interest in working for Esports or any gaming company. As I was already interested in event management, I worked as an Event Management Intern for a Start-up Esports League Organizer. I spent hours planning, promoting, and organizing online gaming events/tournaments, which resulted in poor time management and putting other important things, such as my studies, on the back burner.
Not asking questions or for feedbacks
Because I was afraid of being called dumb, the shy and introverted girl in me had a bad habit of not asking questions or feedbacks. But y’know what, if you want to learn something, you have to give it your all in every way! Even if it means being called stupid, receiving negative feedback, or redoing a task. Because, at the end of the day, you’re preparing for the real fight.
Communication
Complaining about insignificant tasks will not get you anywhere. Instead, if you’re having problems or have questions, talk to your team leaders because they’ll be able to help you clear your doubts. Or, if there is a miscommunication, do not ignore it; it will grow and you may face consequences if not resolved because “communication is the key.”
References
If you receive an internship offer but are unsure, you can take your time and inquire around. On college campuses, word of mouth spreads quickly, and no one wants to work with scammers or a company with a bad reputation.
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