When I was in college, I didn’t participate in an internship. I don’t think I even knew about them. Today, I realize how valuable an internship can be.

Why is an internship valuable?
Internships are a way to test-drive a job — to explore a possible career and discover whether you truly have passion for that work. The direct exposure to the work is often an eye opener to interns. You might find that the job you thought would be glamorous and fun is not what you imagined, or discover an exciting career you knew nothing about.

Internships are a way to learn by doing, gain work experience and develop job skills, all of which will give you an advantage when you enter the job market.

Internships provide an opportunity to begin career networking. Who you know and who knows you can make a big difference in your job search. Someone who has seen you in action, and has seen what a contribution you make can, give a strong recommendation to an employer.

Internships can give you career building opportunities and significantly increase your chances of landing a good full time position. They can even provide a foot in the door.

Why do companies offer internships?
Just as you are trying out a career and a company, the company is trying you out. The company wants to find potential new hires and internship programs provide a way to check out potential recruits before a company commits to hiring a full time employee.

To find the right internship:
Consider your goals, personal values and available choices. Learn about the range of possibilities available to you.

High profile workplaces (those everyone’s heard of) are more competitive. There are lots of people applying for few positions. It may be easier to get an internship at a lesser-known company.

Larger workplaces often have formal mentoring or training programs. You may have a greater chance of getting hired after your internship at a larger company because there are more openings due to a greater number of employees. But a larger company may be more bureaucratic and you may not have as much hands-on experience as at a smaller firm. A smaller company may suit you better if it offers you more opportunity for varied, relevant experience in the field.

Pick a company you would like to work for and contact the human resources department to find out it has an internship program. Check its Website. Don’t be deterred if the company isn’t advertising for interns. If it doesn’t already employ interns, try proposing an internship for yourself and see what happens. Employers are often impressed by people who are assertive and resourceful. As my mother advises, “No you have, yes you might get.” It doesn’t hurt to ask for what you want.

Internships are often advertised in the Career Connections section on AWN.com. You can also find out about internships through college career centers, professors and college staff, other Websites, and internship guidebooks and directories.