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What to look for in an internship

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Internships are an exciting opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios and set yourself up for future success—and you can get even more out of the experience by picking the right program.

In this guide, you'll learn what to look for when choosing an internship and how to plan for this experience. With this advice, you can go into your internship confident you're doing your best and working toward your career goals.

Things to look for in an internship

Looking at lists of available internships can make choosing one seem daunting. However, each internship experience offers students a chance to learn and grow their careers in various ways. To find which internship works best for you, consider the following:

  • Goal alignment: When choosing an internship, your primary consideration should be your career goals and personal values. Will the internship help you grow and advance in your dream career? Do you agree with the company's culture and mission? Ask yourself these questions to narrow your selection to internships that can help you achieve your goals.
  • Collaboration: Some internships let you work closely with people in your field, allowing you to develop your skills and learn from others. Look for an internship that values collaboration, direct involvement, and hands-on experience so you can get the most out of your time there.
  • Feedback: An internship is an opportunity to grow, but feedback is crucial for growth. Feedback can help you identify areas for improvement to make yourself a better student and working professional. Choose an internship that will offer constructive criticism you can apply to better yourself.
  • Mentorship: If you value having more one-on-one guidance and support, look for internships with mentorship programs. A mentor with more experience in your chosen career can share what worked for them and help you make more informed decisions with your career path. They can also offer deeper insights into the company to help you navigate your internship and decide if the company is a good fit for you.
  • Career opportunities: While all internships can help your career in some way, some offer direct career advancement opportunities. They might provide training or have a history of hiring interns for full-time positions. Finding an internship with these opportunities will help you get a head start on your career and job search.
  • Networking: Throughout your career, networking—building relationships with other professionals—can open the door to various opportunities. Attend formal and informal events where you can meet professionals in your industry. To build your network, prioritize internships with networking opportunities like conferences, workshops, and social events.
  • Compensation: Some companies offer compensation packages for their interns. If you want to make money while you learn, apply for paid internships or find ones with extra benefits.

The benefits of an internship that fits your career goals

It may be tempting to jump into the first internship opportunity that comes your way, but waiting until you find the right one can benefit you in the long run. If you take the time to find internship programs that align with your career goals, you can have a more relevant, impactful experience. You'll learn new skills and work on projects related to your field, which looks appealing on your resume. Career-focused interning can also enhance your understanding of your coursework.

Additionally, interning at a company in your chosen career field can clarify your position's daily roles and responsibilities. You may also discover what potential career paths look like. Knowing this information can help determine if you want to pursue that particular career and how to prepare yourself for future employment.

How to plan for a successful internship

Your attitude and actions can affect your internship experience. Use the tips below to prepare for your internship and ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

1. Set and communicate your goals

Having an overarching career goal can help you look for internships, but having smaller goals for when you start interning is also beneficial. For example, you may want to meet certain people, work on a specific project, or learn a particular skill.

Communicate your goals with your internship supervisor and ask if they have opportunities in that area. This strategy can set you apart from other college applicants and interns and shape what you get out of the program.

2. Research the company

Researching your internship company can help you prepare in advance. Make sure you fully grasp their mission and what they do to achieve it. Knowing this will allow you to ask deep, meaningful questions and show potential employers your interest. You can also do your best to understand their values and culture so you can integrate faster during your first week.

3. Request shadowing opportunities

You can better align your internship with your career goals by asking for specific shadowing opportunities. For example, you may want to spend your time with a software engineer rather than the general engineering department if that's where your interests lie. You can also ask for a particular employee to be your mentor if you respect their experience and want to learn from them.

4. Prepare and ask questions

You'll learn even more during your internship if you ask questions, actively engage, and stay curious. Using information you found while researching the company, compile a list of questions to ask. When there's a lull in conversation or someone asks if you have a question, you can quickly draw one from your list.

5. Utilize available resources

Use everything at your disposal to get the most out of your internship. You may receive documents, guides, and online training before you start or during onboarding. Read through everything and take advantage of these resources to prepare, level up your skills, and succeed.

Grow your career with Intuitive

Are you looking to intern somewhere that positively impacts the lives of others? Consider applying for a student career opportunity at Intuitive. Our talented team members prove what's possible with minimally invasive robotic care, helping doctors save lives worldwide.

We value unique perspectives, talents, and ideas, which is why we involve interns in meaningful projects during their time here. We'll push you beyond your comfort zone to launch you into a successful career. If Intuitive feels like home, we also offer internship programs to help jump-start your career with us.

Browse and apply for one of our open internship opportunities today. If you're not ready just yet, join our Talent Community for job alerts, company updates, and employee stories.