Internships can be the bridge between education and a career. In fact, many programs require students to complete an internship of some kind in order to graduate. CLC offers several internships, paid and unpaid, in business operations, communications, design, grant writing and research, international studies, journalism, non-profit administration, and event planning. We have listed a few reasons why we believe internships are important and beneficial to students!
1. Application of education and career skills. The classroom is a great place to learn skills needed in the field. However, the best place to exercise those skills are in the “real world.” Internships are a safe place to explore possible careers and apply what students have learned.
2.Gain experience and increase marketability. One of the first questions asked in interviews is related to the candidates experience. As a student, it can be difficult getting the desired positions because of lack of experience. However, internships are a great way to gain the experience needed!
3. National Data. According to a 2016 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, more than 56 percent of graduating seniors reported taking part in at least one internship.
4. Soft skills acquisition. Skills such as communication, leadership, team work and problem-solving are all skills that can be learned during an internship. In fact, according to a LinkedIn Skills Report (2018), 57% of people rated soft skills, like the ones mentioned, as being more important than technical skills.
5. Professional Feedback. Internships are a great way to get feedback from someone in your desired field. Educators typically focus on the theoretical side, while people working at the organization are more familiar with how things go day-to-day. Receiving feedback from professionals in the field can be invaluable to your future career!
CLC provides many opportunities for hard working students dedicated to learning and making a difference. We strive to place people in positions that are beneficial to our agency as well as to the people in the roles. If you are interested in learning more about our internship program, visit the EXCEL WITH US page on our website!
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