Internships are often sold as the golden ticket to employment. But not all internships are created equal. Some teach you. Some use you. Some do both.
So how do you find one that actually helps you grow?
First, Know What You’re Looking For
Before you apply, ask yourself:
- Do I want to build technical skills?
- Do I want exposure to a specific industry?
- Do I want mentorship, networking, or portfolio pieces?
Not every internship will give you all three. But knowing your priority helps you filter out the noise.
Where to Look (Beyond Job Boards)
Most students start with job sites. That’s fine, but don’t stop there.
Try:
- University career centers or alumni groups
- LinkedIn posts from professionals in your field
- NGO and advocacy networks (especially for social impact roles)
- Instagram stories from youth-led platforms
- Cold emails to companies you admire
Sometimes the best internships aren’t advertised. They’re created when you ask.
What Makes an Internship Worth It?
It’s not just about the brand name. It’s about what you walk away with.
A good internship gives you:
- Real tasks (not just photocopying or fetching tea)
- Feedback and mentorship
- A chance to contribute meaningfully
- Something you can add to your portfolio or CV
Even if it’s unpaid or remote, if it gives you growth, it’s worth considering.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every opportunity is healthy. Watch out for:
- Vague role descriptions (“help with tasks” isn’t enough)
- No clear supervisor or point of contact
- No timeline, structure, or learning goals
- Demands for full-time hours without pay or flexibility
If it feels exploitative, it probably is. You deserve respect, even as a student.
How to Make the Most of It
Once you land an internship, treat it like a real job. That means:
- Showing up on time and prepared
- Asking questions and taking notes
- Documenting your work for your portfolio
- Requesting feedback regularly
- Staying in touch after it ends
Internships aren’t just about tasks, they’re about relationships. Build them.
What If You Can’t Find One?
You can still build experience. Try:
- Freelance gigs or student-led projects
- Volunteering with NGOs or community groups
- Starting your own initiative (blog, campaign, podcast)
- Collaborating with peers on creative experiments
Internship or not, you can still grow. You can still build. You can still show up.
Final Thought
Internships aren’t just a checkbox. They’re a chance to test your skills, build your confidence, and shape your story.
Choose wisely. Ask boldly. And when you show up, make it count.
