I’m done with my internship… Now what?!

It’s a scary thought for a lot of seniors when the end of the school year finally approaches. All the credits are completed, the works handed in, the exams are graded, the internship comes to an end and now it’s time to enter the real world. A lot of graduating seniors still might not know exactly what they’re doing and it’s a scary thought. Being a transfer student my sophomore year and changing my major so late in the game, I actually will not graduate until December. So while I’m slightly sad I cannot graduate with most of friends I’m glad to know I still have time to get my plans together.

Interning this whole semester really taught me a lot about business and work ethic. Because I was the first intern at this company for their communications department there was a lot of work that needed to be developed. A whole social media strategy needed to be created and I offered to come in before the spring semester even started to help get that done. I come in an extra day or so if tasks still need to be completed. And that’s when I get the realization that no career is ever going to be a 9-5 and that’s it. Sure, on paper you might be scheduled 9-5 but in reality when something has a deadline you bet that you’re going to be staying in late or coming in on the weekends to meet that deadline. And I think that was one of the most important things I got out of this internship. You need to have passion in what you’re working with because you will be spending extra on it.

For most students right now they are saying goodbye to their internship and moving on with plans. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work for my current internship’s company at a paid position. I will be in Philly all summer just continuing the work I’ve been doing but as an actual position. I’m so pleased that my hard work paid off. I’m not sure if this is exactly the company I want to stay with forever, but it’s a start and they helped me really understand the working life. Although I’m not graduating, it’s nice to have some set working plans for the summer and to continue learning in the field. What you get out of school is one thing, but internships is what it’s all about. I wish it was more encouraged and talked up more because that is what’s going to help you get your foot in the door, and network, and find a job etc. Out of this whole college experience thus far, I’ve realized interning is what it is all about.

So my advice? Go out and intern! While you don’t have plans this summer find one! Trust me you will not regret it.