What’s an internship and why should you pursue one?

Many Concordia students pursue internships during their time in college. These unique experiences are required or suggested by many academic programs, from business to psychology to English. Students of all kinds can benefit from completing an internship, whether during the academic year or over the summer. If you’re a prospective or current Concordia student who’s interested in learning about what internships are and whether you should choose to pursue one, this is the article for you.  

An internship is an experience, typically sponsored by a particular organization or company, that provides a student with feedback and mentorship in their field of choice. The student most often completes tasks at an appropriate level of difficulty that aim to give them a good sense of what becoming a professional in their field might be like. Through an internship, students gain insight into their field of study outside of the classroom. For many, it can serve as confirmation that they chose the right field; for others, it may steer them in a new direction.  

In the past, Concordia students have completed internships with sports teams, wildlife sanctuaries, mental health care facilities, congressional offices and many more. This wide variety of roles demonstrates not only that there is an internship out there for every student, but that Concordia students are situated to choose from the entire extent of this variety. 

Internships also offer myriad benefits to those who complete them. Students can gain work experience under the supervision of a professional mentor, decide whether they want to pursue a particular career field, network with potential colleagues and orient themselves to a particular company for which they may want to work after graduation.  

For most students, internships also fulfill academic credit requirements or options at Concordia. For example, B.F.A. students in graphic design must complete a three-credit (135-hour) internship as part of their program, but theatre students can choose a one- or three-credit internship to fulfill an elective requirement if they desire. Regardless of whether your program requires an internship or not, it can certainly benefit you to complete one, both in course credits and hands-on experience that it is difficult to get in a classroom.  

Gaining real-life experience is one of the most tangible benefits of any internship experience. While college courses can convey knowledge and prepare your mind for critical thought or problem-solving, they are limited by the fact that they are not careers and cannot replicate one. Where internships come in, therefore, is when students want to gain career experience before they must commit to a full-time career. Plus, they aren’t as independent as regular careers; instead, internships are still learning experiences, as students work under the supervision of trained employees.  

If you are a Concordia student in any academic program who wishes to pursue a career one day, choosing an internship can be extremely beneficial for you. From earning academic credit to gaining real-world work experience, these unique positions are perfect for college students, who are in a stage of life where they’re still learning yet also seeking independence and autonomy. So gain a head start down your future career path by completing an undergraduate internship.  

Career Services at Concordia Nebraska is here to help students with all career-related questions. The services they provide can help set up students with internships that will encourage career success. Learn more about Concordia’s career services here.