College is hard enough without pursuing an internship while you study, but that’s why spring internships are a great option. The timing, the opportunities and its numerous other benefits are all fantastic reasons why you should consider a spring internship during college.
Many tend to prioritise summer internships so that they can fill up their resumes before graduation. However, for those who feel like they don’t have the time or energy to commit to internships during the school year, spring internships are the next best chance.
Benefits of spring internships
There are numerous benefits for college students who pursue a spring internship. This even includes a shot at early recruitment for summer internships, more flexibility with their academic schedules, and increased chances for upskilling and networking opportunities.
As an additional plus, you also get a little more time to figure out your ideal career path. All in all, an internship will help you become a more employable individual when you graduate. But whether or not pursuing internships in spring is ideal for you depends on whether the following benefits are what you’re looking for.
Academic flexibility
If you attend an institution where finals take place during winter and/or summer, then spring internships are the perfect way to give yourself a little boost. Plus, with fewer classes and exams to worry about, you may have more time to commit to an internship and focus on upskilling. This way, you receive valuable experience without having to sacrifice your academic performance.
Build your network
Even for students, networking opportunities are invaluable. As an intern, you will inevitably meet and work with professionals in your fields of interest. By completing your spring internship, you’ll be able to get a headstart in the game and start building your network early on.
To do this, you’ll have to participate in training sessions, attend industry events, and connect with people on platforms like LinkedIn. By doing so, you’ll already have a great network of professionals to reach out to when you’re ready for a full-time job.
Gain relevant skills
If you pursue a spring internship in a field you’re interested in or one which is related to your field of study, you’ll be doing yourself a favour.
Internships help you build new skills and gain practical experience in your field of interest, so you’ll be able to accumulate valuable insights into the industry. This experience will not only help you stand out to future employers, but it could even boost your academic progress. You can inquire about college credit through internships from your university or educational institution.
Figure out your career
By completing a spring internship, you’ll gain a better sense of whether or not the field is your ideal career path. You get to explore different career options while gaining insight into various industries before graduation. You can use this to make an informed decision about your career trajectory.
Secure a job
As spring internships usually end with the season, you’ll have gained enough experience to bolster your resume by summer. This will significantly increase your chances of receiving a job offer — possibly even at the company you interned with.
As companies invest a lot of time and resources into training interns, make sure to impress the company during your internship so you can apply for spot there after graduation.
Prep for summer
Even if you don’t secure an internship during spring, there’s always summer! The best window for securing an internship is during summer as companies start recruiting for summer internships during the spring semester.
If you’ve already put in the work to apply and interview early in the spring, you’ll have a better chance of securing an internship for the summer — which is when it gets competitive.
Another benefit is that if you’ve completed a spring internship already, you can get yet another internship in the same or different field during the summer. This will really pack in more experience and skills for your resume.
When to start applying
The fact is, it’s never too early to start researching and applying for spring internships. This is because some companies start recruiting as early as the fall semester. It’s vital that you keep an eye on internship listings and stay on top of application deadlines.
We’d recommend that you start applying for spring internships at least three months ahead. Utilise this time to thoroughly research companies that align with your career goals, tailor your resume, set up your LinkedIn and send in your applications and emails.
Most companies will have internship listings on their website or on job boards, so make sure to check those frequently. You can also turn to your school’s career services centre for additional support. Universities tend to have job boards and resources that could help you secure an internship. There may also be local companies that are hiring interns that your university is linked to.
It is essential that you customise your resume to fit the specific position and company you’re applying to. Ensure to highlight your relevant hard and soft skills and list down projects, voluntary work and any other experiences you’ve had. Before you attend your interview, make sure to prepare well in advance.
Final thoughts
Pursuing a spring internship is a substantially beneficial choice. From invaluable networking opportunities to skill-building, you get to navigate your career interests and boost your employability.
Start looking for spring internships early on and utilise as many resources as possible. This includes using career services and personal networks to find internship opportunities. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and position and prepare well for your interview to increase your chances of securing a spring internship that fits your needs.
