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“Internships: A Worthwhile Investment”
Job internships are one of the most practical career resources for young people. Unfortunately, their lack of (or minimal) compensation poses a deterrent for many. Consequently, college graduates are entering the real world, increasingly unprepared for the job market. We must impress upon young people that internships produce some of the most qualified job candidates, and as such, must be viewed as a worthwhile investment with significant career benefits.
Young people are often overwhelmed by the prospect of selecting a career path. Internships can greatly alleviate this process, by offering a practical outlet for career exploration. Internships provide a realistic window into a given job, and reveal the daily responsibilities and expectations that go with it. They can help young people determine in advance if they are suited for a particular job, and offer guidance to anyone who is seeking a career change, or to those who are unsure about which career path to pursue.
In today’s competitive job market, most entry level positions require previous work experience. This means that even the brightest college graduates can easily face rejection in the workplace, due to a lack of relevant work experience. Fortunately, internships offer a viable solution to this problem. In exchange for their work, interns receive critical job training through hands-on experience. Internships are also a great way to transition into a full-time job, as they are usually quite flexible, and in many cases, lead directly to a permanent position, since employers often prefer to hire from within. Furthermore, because most employers recruit interns from colleges and universities, they are usually willing to accommodate the needs and availabilities of students. Therefore, interning as little as five hours a week for a full semester may ultimately become a career advancing experience.
Aside from being a sound career investment, internships are a great networking opportunity, a personally fulfilling experience, and a great way to meet others with shared interests. They are also a highly valued resource for the employer. The Philadelphia Children’s Foundation is especially appreciative of all of the work that our interns have done. Because we are a small organization, our interns play a highly critical and active role in PCF’s operations. We are still accepting interns for the spring 2008 semester, and encourage anyone who is interested in joining the nonprofit world to apply. Please refer to the PCC website (www.philly-connect.org) for a full description of our internship positions.
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