In recent times more than ever, internship programs have become the go-to for companies of all sizes and industries to invest in their future.
But first, “what is an internship program” you might ask. An internship program is a period of work that gives people – mostly students or graduates – practical experience in a field they want. Typically, an internship can be local (within the intern’s home country) or international (outside the intern’s home country).
Whether the internship program is local or international, it is a great way to gain skills and experience in the job market. Most people often intern within industries that tie into their career goals. This way, they can see the practical applications of some theories learned in college.
However, internships abroad provide an added advantage to thrive in a global job market. For this article, our focus will be on the value of international internship programs. We will also highlight some benefits of interning abroad and how such opportunities prepare you for the global job market.
A Little Introduction
Hi, my name is Avishka Srimal but everyone calls me “Avi.” I am a Recruitment and Candidate Experience Associate at Capital Placement and you’re welcome to my first blog.
Before I go further, in case you don’t know what we do here at Capital Placement, here’s a summary. At Capital Placement, we help bring together inspiring students and graduates to explore the world and gain work experience through international internship programs. We serve as an expert guide for students and graduates who are looking to travel and gain practical experience in major cities like London, New York and Singapore.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Practical Experience
The point of college and getting a degree is to gain knowledge about a specific field or subject. The purpose behind this learning is to apply such knowledge to real-world problems. An internship program is usually the first time many students or graduates get to see the practical application of the knowledge they have gained in college.
For most of us, what we learn in college classrooms are mainly theories. However, an internship can help you see these theories come to life. For example, if you’ve studied marketing strategies in class, an internship allows you to implement them in a dynamic business environment, often adapting them to the business markets, be it local or global.
More importantly, an internship provides opportunities to develop essential skills that can’t be fully taught in the classroom—like problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork.
The international dimension adds another layer of learning, as you’ll need to navigate different work cultures and approaches to problem-solving, which prepares you even further for a global career. An internship abroad would enable you to enhance these skills in such a way that is adaptable to a multicultural workplace.
Mastering the Art of Working With Others in a Global Setting
It is tough to be in a new work environment where you’re unsure about the dos and don’ts. This is where the value of possessing the right skills comes into play. Skills like problem-solving, effective communication, transparency, adaptability, and teamwork are often vital to how you can excel in a professional setting.
Effective communication is a vital skill for anyone whether you’re an intern, student or a full-time employee. Understanding workplace communication across different cultures is a subset within effective communication that displays adaptability. Change is a gradual process, and it is always possible to adapt to a work culture as long as you keep an open mind.
It is also vital to learn to build a rapport with your employers and colleagues that’s based on transparency. In essence, it would be advisable for you to ensure you are your true self. We wouldn’t want a drastic difference between your personality when interviewing with that of when you join the program.
In addition, an internship program offers you the chance to refine your interpersonal skills in a diverse team. Understanding the cultures of your teammates and colleagues goes a long way. Nevertheless, I won’t sugar coat it, building interpersonal skills takes work. Here are some interpersonal skills that I believe are worth building as you prepare for the global job market:
- Cross-cultural communication – How you interact with people of another culture within your workplace and learn about what might or might not be appropriate to do, say, or even wear.
- Networking – Your ability to build and manage meaningful connections with others through personal communication and professionalism to help your career growth
- Adaptability – How well and easily you can adjust in a changing circumstance. An adaptable person can keep up with moving priorities, projects or new technology.
- Empathy – Learning to put yourself in another person’s shoes to understand how they see things
- Workplace discipline – Doing what is expected of you? When it is expected, and managing your time properly
- Accepting criticism – Understanding the value of criticism and how to use it to learn and improve.
There are a lot more interpersonal skills that will be critical to your career growth. There are also a lot of resources on how you can build them. No matter what your personality traits are, refined interpersonal skills will always set you apart in any work environment. This would help you leave a mark on the company and could open up an opportunity for you to return to the same company but this time as a full-time employee.
Exploring International Job Markets and Career Paths
One thing we look out for at Capital Placement before finding work placement abroad for university students is to evaluate the career opportunities available for our candidates. Beyond finding graduate placements abroad, we want to ensure that you are matched with the best internship programs that offer career growth and advancement. When that is done, we invite a greater passion for you to go the extra mile in your internship role.
There’s a saying: “You’re not living if you’re not learning.” I think this applies especially to internship programs. Developing your skills is vital to your success as an intern. It ultimately also helps prepare you for real-world work experiences. Learning helps refine your brain to see gaps your gained knowledge could fill in any industry. You are better able to spot career opportunities that can boost your chances of standing out in the global job market.
An internship program helps broaden your horizon too. It doesn’t matter where you come from, with an internship, you are exposed to new ideas, places, and people. Earning a degree is amazing but in most cases, an internship experience certifies the value of that degree. During our interviews with candidates at Capital Placement, we have a priority list of what we look out for. Your experience and skills sit at the top and your degree comes after. Experience and skills are often cited as THE most important aspects of your resume because what they tell an employer about you and your capabilities, outweighs the degree you earned.
Summary
The best way to prepare yourself for the global job market in line with an internship program is to be authentic. You have to be ready to showcase who you are —your skills and personality— in a way that adds value to the company you’re interning with.
Once again, an internship placement abroad does not guarantee a full-time offer. However, if you can give your best as an intern that is more than simply showing up and clocking in mindlessly, you stand a better chance in the global job market. Engaging with the company of your internship and placement, getting involved with things outside of your role, being proactive, and building a good rapport are important for you to succeed.
Last but not least —and I love to say this to candidates— please try to enjoy what you do. There is no better guarantee of having an amazing internship experience when you can love and enjoy what you do. An internship experience should be exactly that: an experience. At Capital Placement we help find the right placements for internships that ensure you get the right work experience. So, take a deep breath, exhale, and have fun!
