Your time in college is full of opportunities you can use to prepare for your future. Attending classes and turning in assignments are important, but going above and beyond to take advantage of the resources around you will help you stand out to future employers.
One important opportunity you can take in college is working a part-time job or an internship, especially one that gives you experience in your field. While working in college is a big commitment, the experience you gain will help you have a smooth transition into your career.
Here are four key benefits of working in college.
1. Experience in your field.
Experience is the best teacher. Studying and coursework can teach you a lot, but they can’t always teach you what it’s really like to work in your field, the ins and outs of the workplace or the technical language used in that career. One of the main benefits of working a job or an internship in college is the subtle things that can only be learned through experience. This can help you stand out to employers by showing them that you take your career seriously and can quickly adapt to a new environment.
Even if your college work experience isn’t directly related to your future career, simply having a job teaches you responsibility, teamwork, diligence and time management, which are beneficial skills for any career path. Your future employer will be impressed to know that you work hard no matter what job you do.
2. Deciding your path.
If you are still unsure about what you want to do in the future, having a job or internship in college can help you decide what path to take. Choosing a career is an important decision that requires you to invest a lot of time, so it’s wise to try it out before you step into it full-time.
Your work experience may help confirm that you’re making the right career choice, or show you that this career or particular position isn’t a good fit for you. It’s much easier to try other positions and transition to different career paths while you’re still in college rather than down the road in your career.
3. Networking.
According to CNBC, 70 percent of job openings are not published on job search sites, and up to 80 percent of positions are filled through networking. The people you meet through your college jobs and internships can be key to your success in your future career. Through networking, you can get career advice, knowledge about opportunities in your field and make life-long connections.
Whether or not your work experience in college is related to what you wish to do in the future, giving your best effort, connecting with others and being open to learning can speak volumes.
The people in your network will remember your hard work, and can serve as references or leads for potential jobs in the future.
4. Preparing financially.
It’s easier to transition into a career when you’re financially stable. The economic benefits of working a job or having a paid internship in college include a head start on supporting yourself, paying off debts more quickly and preparing financially for your future. You may also need to invest in a few things before you start your career, such as housing, a vehicle for your commute, supplies, a new computer, or additional education or certifications. These things can be very costly, so it’s important to set aside money so you can make these financial decisions responsibly.
Because of the experience you gained from your job or internship, you may also have the potential to earn more as you start your career than someone with no experience. Starting out with some knowledge in your field may also help you receive a promotion sooner and work your way up faster than you would with no prior knowledge.
Starting a job or internship in college will require you to give your time, but when you manage it properly, it is time well spent. Start searching for opportunities to get involved in your field and gain experience now!