Well from the title of this article you must have got an idea that today I am going to discuss about the importance of an internship. I felt the need of discussing about Internships because research institutes have started rolling out notifications for summer research fellowships and on our Facebook page so many queries are dropped on the daily basis asking about the importance of Internships and its benefits.
Why Are Internships important?
Well, Internships provide you valuable experience and expertise that can help you secure your dream (R&D) job in the biotechnology industry. Whether an Internships programme is paid or unpaid, it doesn’t change its value. It is investments in your future.
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Often, students are reluctant to pursue Internships because they worry they’ll be stuck doing menial tasks like preparing media and autoclaving glassware in the lab and let’s face it- no one wants to work for free. The truth is, although not all Internships programs pay in cash, they do pay in other ways.
Most important thing is whether you are from Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Bioinformatics background, you must understand that these courses are research oriented. Theory alone will not help you in fetching a good job.
1. Experience and Exposure
If you are lucky enough to grab an internship in top-class research institute or industry, it can be greatly valuable towards your career. You will be working with the top guns of biotechnology, which enables you to grab the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their research career.
The best part about internships is that it teaches students about the specific industries and institutes they are interested in.
2. Network Building
I have seen so many people stuck in same routines and in the same town for years, thus it will be a best opportunity for them to surround themselves with new people. By interacting with other professionals around, you will learn how to communicate and make connections in a professional manner.
Making professional connections could be beneficial to your career. Even if you believe you don’t need it, it’s always good to have a backup. Life is unpredictable and you never know when a network may come in handy.
Personally, my internship in Biological E introduced me to a lot of useful resources and has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of experts in my field.
3. Resume Building
When I was a college student during my Master’s degree, I learned the importance of a strong resume. Without a solid resume, it’s difficult to get a dream job.
You may get a second chance while talking to someone face to face but your resume will not get it. Think of your resume as a passport to enter the industry. Once you get an interview, then only you are able to elaborate on yourself and why you are a deserving candidate.
Just ask yourself how can you have a strong resume without experience and expertise in latest techniques?
Internships are the only solution for you and it’s better to complete your internship during your summer break. To be honest, companies are much likely to hire a candidate having internships and practical knowledge rather than a candidate with generic resume, lacking experience.
4. Career Establishment
Internships provide you the base you need for your future. So it is very necessary to choose internships according to your interest. If you have interest in molecular biology then you must look for institutes/companies offering internships in the molecular biology field. You must take initiative to learn and ask your mentors for internships as this internship is the building block of your career.
While applying for internships just make sure to read the details of various labs/departments offering internship and their current on-going research. This will help you in choosing right opportunity of an internship.
5. Transition to a Full-Time Position
Well landing a job just after completing your degree has its own disadvantages. You will be the most vulnerable employee if you have never worked full time before. The transition from a student to a working employee is difficult because of not every boss intolerant of mistakes in a working environment.
When we all know that getting a job requires a lot of efforts and you can’t lose your job, It can be devastating for you if you are unable to adapt.
Bottom Line
An internship will help you in building your stores so that when you’re ready to go on job hunting, you have the skills, the experience, the desire, and the confidence to make it happen.
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