Have you ever felt like you were confident in the path you were taking and then found yourself stumped in the middle of the road?
I have found myself in this position multiple times throughout my college career. When I first started my college career, I was an education major. After getting into the field more and doing observation hours within the classroom setting, I began to question my desire to become a teacher.
Experiencing this setback was extremely frustrating at the time, but incredibly beneficial in the long run. This epiphany forced me to dig deeper into my personal interests and discover the person I was striving to become. While sorting through major and career options, I decided on declaring a degree in communication.
Originally, I questioned enrolling in the communication program because of the internship required as part of the degree plan. Little did I know, this would be the key to my success and confirm that I made the right choice in changing career destinations.
The required internship built my confidence and encouraged me to learn exactly what I can do with my degree. The value of an internship is priceless, because of the “win-win” outcome. The students will either learn what they do or do not want to pursue as a career after graduation.
Students are not limited or restricted to one internship; in fact multiple internships provide a greater range of experience. Most job openings require applicants to have work experience. An internship requirement allows students to gain experience along with school credit. The university has the students’ best interest in mind when requiring or encouraging internships to better their chance of success after graduation.
In the summer of 2014, I was an intern for a valve company in Houston, where I learned the ropes of the industry and how the successful business became the quality company it is today.
This fall, I am an intern with Friendswood Independent School District, working with the head of the office of communications in the districts’ administration office.
These two internships couldn’t be more opposite, but both have taught me valuable lessons and provided excellent work experience to make an impressive resume. I have enjoyed both, and now know that I would be happy with a career in either direction. Graduating with the desire to work in multiple industries makes me feel more marketable and flexible as I embark on my career journey.
Networking opportunities throughout an internship period holds great value to the students because it allows them to meet more people within an industry. As I prepare to graduate this December, I have started to look ahead for potential job opportunities. The opportunities seem endless in the greater Houston area.
Students at UHCL whose degree plans do not require internships should still consider taking advantage of the excellent opportunity for experience and networking internships provide before they graduate.
If internships are not offered in your degree program, check into the possibility of an independent study for the opportunity to receive course credit while working as an intern.
Whether students receive credit or not, internships offer amazing opportunities to advance into their chosen careers.
