The Purpose of An InternshipEvery Student Should Read This
Every Student Should Read This
Why do you want an internship?
This is a really common question during interviews, and there are loads of ways to go about answering it. It is an opportunity to differentiate yourself and show that you are unique (if you are, otherwise: it’s not). But even in this prime moment, students come up with the most bullsh*t answers:
“I am really passionate about spreadsheets and that is why…”
“I want to be a part of something bigger than myself…”
For a second, take down the facade, and ask yourself — why do you want an internship?
Students get caught up in the thrill of recruiting, the feeling of being wanted by a company — that they often forget to ask themselves what they are doing and why they are doing it.
Even then, having a real answer is difficult. There are a lot of pressures from your parents and peers to do an internship that “looks good.” Well the first step towards finding an answer is putting all of that external junk to the side when making this decision.
For me, the answer is really really simple:
I want to add a ton of value, while accelerating my growth.
An important thing to do when starting your internship is to bring transparency from the get go. I tell them specifically what I want to get out of my internship. At the same time, companies tell you exactly what they expect to get out of you. So it makes sense to do the same.
Anyways, interesting thought exercise.
My note to self:
You get more out of things when you have a purpose.
By jordangonen on May 2, 2016.
Exported from Medium on February 17, 2018.
