We asked millennial interns why they want to do internships. Here are their responses!
Gain Real Work Experience – Internships build on classroom theories. Interns want to complete interesting and challenging tasks, and make real decisions that solve relevant problems.
Learn New Skills – Doing an internship will set them apart from others when they enter their professional field.
Fulfill Academic Requirements – Interns often receive college credit toward graduation for doing an internship.
Build Their Resume – An internship enhances their credibility and qualifications for a job after graduation. They may have jobs that pay the bills but internships give them an edge for post-graduation jobs.
Work with a Potential Full-Time Employer – Both the millennial and the employer get to “try before they buy.”
Begin a Professional Network – Internships allow students to practice social skills and meet and be mentored by people they might not meet otherwise.
Gain confidence – Students feel more confident when they are given real work day challenges and realize that they have worked at a professional standard.
Test Out an Industry or Organization – The internship gives them an opportunity to decide to continue (or not!) in their academic field before they graduate.
(From Bridging the Generation Gap – Dr. Mimi Hull)