5 Reasons Why Every Graduate MUST Intern Before Landing The First Job

By Jane Okoth,

To many an internship may sound like actual hell on earth thanks to the difficult times interns go through in their quest to gain experience.

Although an internship may not be what you expect, jobseekers need to understand its importance before landing on the first job.

Speaking to Anne Rose Njoki, a Human Resource Officer at TNS Research, she advocates for the importance of an internship.

“An internship is very important for a student who is still in school because it gives him a clear picture of what happens in the workplace,” she says.

“Once you get exposed to the real world, you will have a clear expectation of what your employer wants,” she adds.

Ms Njoki also states that individuals who have landed their first job right after school without going for an internship program are more disadvantaged.

“The reason is because you might get a job that is not your expectation and lack motivation,” she says.

She further explains “This comes from the pressure our parents give us into jumping into careers we do not like.

“If you are not motivated at work you will not perform and your boss will not be happy at all.”

She adds that, “Also when you go for an internship, it gives you a chance to determine if that is what you are comfortable at doing and specialize.

During an internship, you have a chance to do something you like and if not you can have a plan B.”

“Internships are a unique opportunity that you will never again encounter throughout your career,” she advises.

Ms Njoki states that this is your chance to test drive different positions to see which ride you enjoy most.

“A person who has just landed a job without given a chance to intern lacks passion in him and that is reason enough to make you underperform,” she opines.

Does the duration of an internship matter to a potential employer?

“Good question because it matters a lot. If I were to sample two candidates, one whose internship lasted for 3months while the other one is 2 years, I would definitely consider the one with the longest duration.

That means that the individual has learned a lot during the duration of the internship experience,” she answers.

She also adds that Internships are meant to give you a standing ground and if you stay for longer periods, the better.

And finally what is the possibility that your internship may turn into a job?

“It is very possible that you can be hired if you perform very well in your duties. If that company has a role that fits you well, they would not hesitate to hire you,” she concludes.

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