5 Internship Myths You Need To Be Aware Of Before Looking At A Career

Nowadays, Internships have become more important than any relationship after completing a degree, individuals usually intern in an industry relevant to their educational qualifications to get practical experience. This is why internships are considered the right start to a successful career numerous online platforms offer a wide range of internships to individuals either looking to gain some credits for their college degree, enter the employment landscape, or gain some skills for a smooth transition to a new role or industry.

The government has taken the initiative by introducing an internship scheme that provides 1.25 lakh internships in the top 500 companies enabling young graduates to acquire the required exposure and in-demand skills aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry requirements by generating more employment opportunities. However, there are several misconceptions about internships that deter individuals from seeking a valuable experience. Hence, it’s important to dispel these myths and offer clarity to help individuals make the most of an internship. 

Here are some of such myths you need to be aware of so that they don’t stop you from acquiring the necessary skills and experience: 

Myth 1: All internships are unpaid

Previously, interns used to receive only experience and no stipend while interning at an organisation but today, many companies not only offer stipends but also provide other perks such as completion certificate, free movie tickets and shopping vouchers to make sure that the interns get some compensation for their skills and abilities. Especially in industries like tech, finance, healthcare and marketing, there is an evident shift towards this trend as it becomes easier for companies to attract top talent in a highly competitive business environment, and even retain it for full-time employment opportunities. Moreover, the recent Budget 2024 initiative added a government scheme to provide internship opportunities with financial support, making paid internships more accessible.

Myth 2: Internships are meant only for students

It is the biggest myth because Internships are available across a wide range of fields, not just business or technology, whether you are studying arts, humanities, social sciences, or any other discipline, there are internship opportunities tailored to your interests and career goals. From journalism and marketing to environmental science and public health, internships serve in various industries and sectors. While internships are promoted as a way to engage college students, they are just as valuable for recent graduates or individuals looking to switch careers. A lot of times, instead of pursuing an entry-level job where there is less scope for learning and more pressure to perform, individuals pursue an internship to build the required skills. Besides, when switching fields, pivot internships play an indispensable role in carving a new career path. The movie “The Intern” is a clear example of how there is no age barrier when it comes to signing up for an internship as long as you have the dedication to explore your potential and learn new things.

Myth 3: Internships are all about menial tasks

The stereotype of interns fetching coffee and making photocopies is outdated. Modern internships involve meaningful work that contributes to the organization’s long-term goals giving them responsibilities and allowing them to develop relevant skills, work on significant projects, and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Organisations these days are on a hunt for interns who are highly skilled in a specific area so that they can significantly contribute to the success of a project, and possess the trending technical, analytical and communication abilities that can be game changers for anyone aiming to get hired as an intern at a renowned firm. Additionally, if you succeed in demonstrating your abilities well and your performance exceeds their expectations, then the employer may even consider you for a full-time position.

Myth 4: Only corporate giants are worth interning 

Big corporations do have structured internship programmes in place but that doesn’t mean startups and small companies can’t propel your career forward. Interns at smaller companies get exposed to more work and responsibilities, which adds value to their growing careers. Therefore, instead of going ahead with a huge name in the market, your goal should be to settle for an organisation that aligns well with the field you wish to grow in and can equip you with the right set of skills and practical experience. 

Myth 5: You should only apply for positions that match your degree

It is highly beneficial to seek internships that can make the best use of the skills and knowledge that you gathered from your degree, exploring opportunities in different fields can be just as beneficial. Interning in unrelated fields can help you acquire additional skills, making it simpler for you to change fields later if you wish to. Plus, you get to develop transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving that are valuable in other fields.

Internships are a base of career development, offering practical experience, skill development, and networking opportunities and by debunking these common myths, we hope to encourage more students and freshers to pursue internships and make the most of these opportunities. Most importantly, interning in various industries will also help you understand your long-term career goals better. For instance, if you have plans to become a writer but somehow landed a high-value internship in marketing, then you can pursue it to build additional skills and assess if a career in marketing can offer better growth prospects.