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2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: 2009-09-24
Contact: Kim Wall
Public Relations Program Coordinator
Marketing and Community Relations Office
University of New Hampshire, Manchester
(603) 641-4306
kim.wall@unh.edu
Choosing to do an Internship: An Important Decision In College
Manchester, NH – Taking the step towards a college education is a big decision for many students and families. And, once you’re there, there are other decisions to make: taking day or evening courses and on which day(s) of the week, which courses to take or clubs to join, etc. There is another important decision to be made that is often overlooked. That is, where and when to pursue an internship.
In today's competitive world, an internship gives an edge to student interns. Internships provide students with hands-on work experience that will enhance their classroom education and help prepare them for a successful career. It also allows students to test their skills, learn new ones, and network with professionals in their field of interest while earning college credit.
More than 75% of employers surveyed said a key factor in making hiring decisions was whether a new graduate had done a relevant professional internship during college. And, students who have completed internships during college report not only higher starting salaries at their first job, but also more advanced positions than the usual entry-level jobs offered to new graduates.
Esteban Lopez of the New Hampshire College and University Council says, “Internships nowadays are increasingly becoming the best way to find the job of your dreams. The student internship experience is not about getting a job. It’s about getting the job you want.” Many employers create partnerships with New Hampshire universities and colleges to find good prospects for future employees. Lopez is certainly one of those employers with two college interns currently working in his Concord, NH office.
Jason Whitney of UNH’s Advising and Career Center, points out that there are benefits for employers as well as students participating in internships. He said, “Most employers view a summer internship as a three-month interview; it’s a cost-effective way for them to attract and view new talent, which is their most valuable resource. Students who excel during their internships are often the ones who receive job offers before they even graduate if there are opportunities available with that employer”. Sarah Lynne Reul, Intern Program Coordinator for the Museum of Science in Boston, said “The value of our interns is immense…the museum benefits from fresh insights and a diverse population of students.”
Thousands of students participate in internships each year to complement what they’ve learned in classes. Whitney said, “Internships are an extension of the classroom where students develop their communication, multi-tasking and related skills that will serve them well in any profession they pursue. According to the latest graduating college senior survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, of the students who have jobs, 73% had completed an internship at some point in college. By developing these skills before entering the job market, they gain valuable experience that employers seek as well as gaining a competitive advantage in their search”.
This summer, Megan Nolan, a senior in the communication arts program at UNH Manchester, interviewed for and secured a dream internship at the Museum of Science (MOS) in Boston. Megan is already looking ahead to life after college and understands the value of doing an internship. She explored her career options at the Museum’s Media Relations Office by writing press releases, coordinating publicity for events, and working with the media. She was able to apply much of what she learned in class to her work as an intern and valued the learning opportunities she had with her MOS supervisors. Megan says, “The internship has been a great experience. I have been able to explore this career and get a grasp on what I want to do and need to learn. It’s giving me awesome experience!” Her experience has affirmed her desire to work in media relations or communications after she graduates in 2010.
Whitney sums it up perfectly when he notes, “Everyone who graduates from college has a degree, but not every student has an internship. If students want to separate themselves from their competition while searching for an entry-level job, an internship is one of the best ways to do that”. Practice makes perfect is an old expression that certainly applies to the value of setting yourself up for a successful career.
UNH Manchester, UNH's urban campus, offers liberal arts and applied majors in business, science, and technology, all with an urban focus. UNH Manchester is UNH. Learn more at www.unhm.unh.edu.
