By Cameron Vakilian, Career Specialist
Edited by Angelena Eubank, Career Success Intern
Published: February 14, 2025
Internships are more than just a line on your resume; they're gateways to real-world experience, career insights, and professional growth. So, let's break down what internships are all about and highlight the seven essential components that make an internship truly valuable, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
What is an Internship?
Ok, so we all know internships are important. You have probably been told this multiple times by advisors, instructors, and family members. But what exactly is an internship? Simply put, an internship is a temporary position where you get hands-on experience in a real workplace. It’s like a trial run in your chosen field, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some internships are paid, while others might be unpaid, but both can offer invaluable experience that set you up for future success if done correctly.
Some postings you come across may not even qualify as legitimate internships. It's crucial to understand what to expect from an internship so you can apply for the right opportunities and potentially earn academic credit.
Why Internships Matter
- Real-World Experience: Internships let you take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it in a real job setting. It's your chance to see how things really work.
- Networking: You'll meet professionals who can guide you, mentor you, and maybe even offer you a job down the line. Building a network is crucial for your career.
- Resume Booster: Having relevant internship experience on your resume makes you more attractive to potential employers. It shows you're serious about your career.
- Clarifying Your Goals: Not sure what you want to do? Internships help you figure out what you like (and what you don’t).
- Skill Development: Beyond technical skills, you'll develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that are essential in any job.
At the University of Utah, U Career Success is where you can go to meet with a career coach to explore internship opportunities.
The 7 Components of a Quality Internship
According to NACE, a good internship should have these seven components.
- An Extension of the Classroom: A legit internship should feel like an extension of your college classes. It’s not just about doing grunt work or tasks that a regular employee would do. Instead, it’s about applying what you’ve learned in class to real-world scenarios, giving you practical experience. If an internship doesn’t have this, you can request for a learning agreement of some kind. Outline the skills you want out of the internship and how your work will accomplish this. Some internship providers can even use a syllabus format to provide this agreement.
- Transferable Skills: The skills and knowledge you gain should be useful in other job settings too. Whether it’s mastering a software, honing your communication skills, or learning industry-specific techniques, these should be skills you can carry with you to future jobs. The work you do should not just help the employer, it needs to help you too, so that you can apply what you’ve learned. Even if you end up securing full time work at your internship organization.
- Defined Duration and Job Description: A proper internship has a clear start and end date and comes with a job description that outlines what you’ll be doing and what qualifications you need. It’s ok to be employed on payroll, but to qualify as an internship, there must be a defined period in which you are completing the goals outlined on your offer letter or learning agreement.
- Clear Learning Objectives: There should be specific learning goals tied to your academic and professional aspirations. These objectives help ensure that the internship is aligned with your career path and academic studies. Internship providers should include this in your offer letter. It is best to have conversations with your career coaches on what kind of objectives will help you in professional development, so you know what to look for.
- Supervision by a Professional: You should be supervised by someone who has expertise in the field and has the capacity to provide mentorship. This person will guide you, share their knowledge, and help you navigate the professional environment. A supervisor shouldn't just delegate tasks—they should be invested in your growth and development. Supervisors should not be family members or spouses because you want someone to give unbiased, outsider feedback for your professional development. Your internship could be at a family-owned company, but it’s best to make sure the person you report to is not a family member.
- Routine Feedback: Regular feedback from your supervisor is crucial. It helps you know what you’re doing right and where you can improve. This ongoing dialogue is essential for your development and growth. This shouldn’t just come at the end of your internship but provided throughout. Feedback should always be constructive and meant to help you grow. It can sometimes be difficult to request or receive feedback, but remember, no one is perfect. We all need support and guidance to help us develop into the professionals we want to become.
- Provided Resources: Your host employer should provide the necessary resources, equipment, and facilities to support your learning. Whether it’s access to specific software, a workspace, or other tools, these resources are vital for achieving your learning objectives. You should never have to cover expenses out of your own pocket to complete your internship tasks. The best internships provide all the necessary resources to ensure your success.
Get Started on Your Internship Search
Internships are an essential part of your college journey. They bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work, helping you build the skills and networks you need for a successful career. By understanding what makes an internship valuable and making sure yours includes the key components, you can make the most of this exciting opportunity. You may even consider creating an internship and working with a provider you know and trust, ensuring it meets these standards and supports your future career goals.
Ready to find the perfect internship opportunity for you? Meet with your career coach to start exploring.
For more information on what makes a legitimate internship, check out the INSPIRE podcast episode “What is a Legitimate Internship?”
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