If you’ve been
looking into internships, you’ve probably heard how important they are for kick-starting your career. You might not know how competitive the process can be, especially for internships at well-known companies or organizations. Employers aren’t just looking at your GPA or the classes you’ve taken—they’re also interested in what you’ve done outside of school.
Why Real-World Experiences Matter
Part-time jobs, volunteering, and other real-world experiences can make a huge difference in standing out as an applicant. These opportunities allow you to gain skills, meet people, and show you’re serious about learning and growing. In this article, we’ll talk about why these experiences are so meaningful, how to find the right ones, and how to make them work for you when applying for internships.
You Learn Valuable Skills
Every job, volunteer role, or project you take on helps you build practical skills in the workplace. For example, if you
work part-time at a coffee shop, you’re not just making drinks—you’re learning to work with a team, handle stressful situations, and communicate with people.
Similarly, volunteering at an animal shelter or helping out at a community event can teach organization, time management, and problem-solving. These might seem like small things, but they’re precisely the skills employers love to see in their interns.
You Show Employers That You’re a Go-Getter
Taking on extra work outside of school shows initiative. It tells employers that you’re the kind of person who wants to learn and grow, even when it’s not required. Internships often involve much learning, so companies look for candidates who’ve already shown they’re willing to step up and try new things.
You Start Building a Network
Jobs and
volunteer experiences connect you with people who can help you later. Your manager, coworkers, or fellow volunteers might have connections to internships or jobs that interest you. Even if they don’t, they can often serve as references or write you a recommendation letter, strengthening your application.
You Get a Taste of the Real World
Real-world experiences help you understand what working in a professional environment is like. For instance,
if you’re interested in healthcare, volunteering at a hospital or clinic can give you a sense of the job. These experiences can help you confirm whether a career path is right for you and prepare you for what to expect in the future.
How to Find the Right Opportunities
Think About Your Goals
What kind of career are you interested in? Look for experiences that align with your goals. For example, if you’re considering a marketing career, try volunteering to help a local nonprofit with their
social media or events.
Be Open to All Kinds of Experiences
Not every job or volunteer role has to relate to your dream career directly. Many skills are transferable, meaning they’ll be useful no matter what field you go into. For instance, working as a cashier can teach you valuable customer service skills in almost any job.
Ask Around and Do Your Research
Talk to your professors, career advisors, friends, and family to learn about opportunities. Check websites like LinkedIn, local job boards, or community centers for postings. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from word of mouth.
Don’t Overcommit
Your education is still your top priority, so ensure the work or volunteering fits your schedule. Many part-time jobs and volunteer opportunities are designed with students in mind, so don’t hesitate to ask about flexible hours.
Making the Most of Your Experiences
Keep Track of What You Learn
As you gain experience, take note of the skills you’re developing and the things you’ve accomplished. Did you help organize a big event? Did you take on more responsibilities at work? These are great things to include on your resume or
talk about in an interview.
Get Feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor or coworkers for feedback. Knowing what you’re doing well—and what you could improve—can help you grow and prepare for future opportunities.
Showcase Your Experiences
Use what you’ve learned to make your internship applications stand out.
Include your experiences on your resume; don’t be afraid to discuss them in your cover letter or interviews. Employers love hearing how you’ve taken the initiative to grow and develop yourself.
Put Your Best Foot Forward with Real-World Experience
Getting a part-time job, volunteering, or finding other ways to gain real-world experience is one of the best things you can do to prepare for an internship. You will learn valuable skills,
build your network, and show employers you’re ready to take on challenges and grow professionally. These experiences can set you apart from other applicants and give you the confidence to succeed in whatever path you choose.
So, start small, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every step you take brings you closer to landing that dream internship—and, ultimately, to building the career you want.