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The Value of an Internship… Going Beyond College Credit

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What’s the point of an internship? So many students think they should do it just to fill a course requirement or to get a few extra credits. But what an internship can do is set you up for the job you dream of having when you graduate.  Not having the right type of internship can actually have the reverse effect and hinder you from landing a position.

Nowadays when I receive a resume, I look for how many jobs and internships applicants have under their belts…. and the quality of them. If there is little to no relevant experience at all, there is no way I’ll consider hiring you.

Benefits of an internship:

1. Learn what it’s like to be in a business setting. Abiding by guidelines, direction, time frames, other people and mentors will give you invaluable experience.

2. Preview what you will/might be doing in the future  as  a “test drive” for your career.

3. Beef up that resume. With relevant experience already accomplished before you graduate, you will have an upper hand on other applicants applying for the same positions you want.

4. Increase awareness of the skills you need to develop in the future so you can be more prepared the next time around.

We reached out to experts who have made it in the celebrity, television and music industries and asked them what they looked for in their interns. Here’s what they look for in candidates and how you might even make the cut!

What the celebrity management/television industry is looking for in their interns:

“ It’s all about the attitude. It better be a good one! This business is about networking and relationships. Being a newbie, they’re clearly not experts in the field, so it’s important that they at least have a sunny disposition.”- Brooke Fisher, Television Publicist exclusive

What the music industry is looking for in their interns:

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been. Start now. Put in endless hours. Prove yourself. This business is not for those that are looking for a casual job, but the rewards long term can be great.” – Mike Hayes, Artist Manager

So you want to work in the wedding and/or PR industry…

If you want to work in the wedding industry and/or PR, here are some pointers. I am looking for confident individuals who can pull off the following:

1. Be prepared to do anything and everything: write warm and eloquent emails, run errands, D.I.Y. projects, understand style via Pinterest, wedding blogs and use social media.

2. Understand there are long hours during the week and dedicated hours over the weekend.

3. Be confident on the phone – you’ll need to make calls and appointments with hotels, vendors, etc.

4. Move fast – this industry is go go go, there is no time for hand holding and micromanaging. Come in and do what needs to be done.

5. Go above and beyond – if you prove that you deserve to be in this business, work hard and go beyond what is required, you will be valued beyond measure by your employer. The likelihood that you’ll continue to thrive in this business will be high!

0 responses to “The Value of an Internship… Going Beyond College Credit”

  24. I design invitations and other details for weddings, events and businesses. I would love to expand someday to event design and styling. Is there a work around for those of us beyond college?

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