Are internships just for students?

In today’s job market, internships are becoming increasingly popular. Many companies are offering internships without a degree requirement, which is great news for those who haven’t gone to college or who are looking to change careers.

Internships are a great way to gain experience in a certain field or company, and they can often lead to full-time positions. So if you’re thinking about an internship, don’t let the fact that you’re not a college student hold you back. You have the chance to take part in many internship opportunities. Internships are solely for college students.

What is an Internship?

An internship is an opportunity for students and non-students to be exposed to new skills and disciplines, and to acquire experience in a particular field.

Internships can be paid, non-paid, and partially paid for students/non-students depending on the circular. An internship lasts 3 to 6 months depending on the organization.

What are the different types of internships?

There are 8(eight) types of internships available to college students and recent graduates. Here are-

  • Insights
  • Paid internships
  • Work research, virtual research (graduation)
  • Unpaid internships
  • Partially-paid internships
  • Virtual Internship
  • International Internships
  • Returnship

The type of internship you choose should be based on your career goals and interests. Do your research to make sure you find an internship that will help you reach your long-term goals.

The best time to do an internship

If you are still in school, whether it be high school or college, doing an internship during the summer months is a great option. This way, you can still focus on your studies during the academic year and have your summers free for interns.

If you have already graduated from college, recent graduates typically have the most success securing internships within 6 months of graduation. Employers are looking for interns who they can train and mold into future employees, so being a recent graduate shows that you have the drive and motivation to learn and grow within the company.

Why do internships require students/non-students?

Fig: Percentage of people who did an internship

An internship gives a student the chance to explore their potential careers, learn new skills, and provide the business with new methods and fresh concepts. An internship also enables the employer to take on new ideas and inspiration, which could allow for future full-time employees.

  • An internship is a great way for anyone to get experience in their desired field, and they are not just reserved for college students
  • Internships provide the opportunity to meet new people and gain experience in a professional setting
  • Many people who are new to the workforce do not have a lot of work experience
  •  An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door and start to build a professional network
  • High chances to get a full-time job
  • Opportunities to work in a reputable company

Can I get an internship without college?

Yes, it is possible to get an internship without college. There are many companies that offer internships/jobs to non-students.

Google, Apple, Netflix, Bank of America, and more.

These internships are usually very competitive, so it is important to have strong learning skills and extracurricular activities.

However, it may be more difficult to find an internship opportunity in 2022. To increase your chances of finding an internship, try searching for internships that are open to all applicants or that specifically state they are not limited to students.

You can also look for internships with small businesses or startups, as they are often more flexible when it comes to hiring interns.

Can adults do internships?

Adults can also absolutely do internships! In fact, many employers prefer to hire interns who are a little older and more experienced.

Internships provide a great opportunity for adults to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and network with potential employers. Plus, interning can be a great way to transition into a new career field.

If you’re an adult considering an internship, don’t let your age hold you back.

How to get an internship for non-students/adults?

 In the United States, approximately 20 percent of college students participate in an internship, with many internships being unpaid. For adults who are not currently enrolled in college, finding an internship can be difficult. Here are a few tips on how to find adult internships:

  1. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is a good resource for finding internships in your area.
  1. Search the internet. A simple search for “adult internships” will yield many results. Be sure to research each opportunity thoroughly before applying.
  1. Ask your network of contacts if they know of any openings. Your friends, family, and acquaintances may have connections that you don’t, so it’s worth asking around.
  1. Check with professional organizations in your field of interest.

How to get an internship as a college student?

 

Many students depend on internships to conclude their degree programs. It is up to the student to make full use of the internship and discuss with their employer about their requirements for knowledge experience.

As for methods of applying, there are a couple of different routes you can take.

Apply online

Believe it or not, this is the most common method of seeking a position!

Most companies have some sort of internship program for participants from universities to seek out through their own websites. Likewise, practically every company has a careers page that contains applications for interns and permanent openings, including job descriptions and resources.

Get referred

If you know anyone who works at a company, you can approach them for a referral. This method can be tricky – referrals can work in two ways.

For the friend being referred, it could be an “in” for them. For the employee doing the referring, if the candidate doesn’t get hired or does not do well, it could reflect poorly on them (at least this is what I think, I’m not entirely sure how that’s viewed at every/most companies).

For me, I refer to people that I have knowledge of their skills or that I believe would be a good fit for a company (if I’ve interned at the company). So, if there is someone who has seen your skills, you might ask them

Get involved with a smaller company first

You never know! Maybe you’ll like working at a startup or smaller company better than at a large company like Google or Microsoft or one with a big name like Facebook.

In my opinion, one of the most important factors in taking an internship (and even a full-time offer) is the project/product you’ll be working on. If you find something that you’re passionate about working on, you’ll have a much better time at an internship or job than if you just go to some huge company to work on a project that you don’t like.

Even if you find something you like at a small company but still strive to work at a larger company, the experience you gain from the initial work experience will help your future applications.

Final Thoughts

You already know that internships aren’t just for college students. With a little bit of research, it’s virtually certain that you’ll be able to secure an internship placement that suits your tastes.

Be prepared to contact your previous university or college’s career service centers to discover applicable job and internship vacancies. You may wish to contact your school to learn which businesses are looking for new hires.

Don’t be afraid to apply for an internship, no matter where you are in your career. They are an excellent chance for you to experience a new type of industry or to dip your toe back into the workforce after a break.

Nahian Ahammed

Nahian Ahammed

A seasoned Educational and Personal Development Consultant with 6 years of hands-on experience. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from IUB. My journey involves guiding individuals on their educational and personal growth paths through various projects and consultations. I am dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in exploring new insights in educational methodologies and staying abreast of the latest trends in personal development. Let's embark on a journey of learning and growth together.

Recent Post

Are internships just for students?

In today’s job market, internships are becoming increasingly popular. Many companies are offering internships without a degree requirement, which is great news for those who haven’t gone to college or who are looking to change careers. Internships are a great way to gain experience in a certain field or company,

Continue Reading

About Me

Hello!

I’m Nahian Ahammed, a seasoned Educational and Personal Development Consultant with 6 years of hands-on experience. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from IUB. My journey involves guiding individuals on their educational and personal growth paths through various projects and consultations. I am dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in exploring new insights in educational methodologies and staying abreast of the latest trends in personal development. Let’s embark on a journey of learning and growth together.

Legal information

Any recommendations that are general tips for your Personal, Career, and Business Development may not apply to all individuals. the advice given isn’t meant to be professional or legal advice.

Latest Posts

Categories

Your e-mail address is only used to send you our latest updates. You can always use the unsubscribe link included in each newsletter.