There are engineering curriculums that do not require internships or on-the-job trainings, so students under this program do not get the chance for an early immersion in the industry. But consider yourself lucky if you belong to that group of engineering students who get to have such opportunity, even when some think that the experience is a burden.
Apart from the fact that you can put your internship in your resume for employment later, it gives you an edge to start early and feel like you are already an engineer while still being a student. The company you interned for may not meet your expectations and disappoint you at times, but there are sure ways on how to get the most of your internship.
Source: Percolate
Think if you really want that kind of job.
If by any case you are still in doubt about the field you are about to enter soon, an internship will give you the idea whether or not it’s a match for you. Do you find the experience pleasant every time you go to work? Or are you happy every after working day? Once you have found the answers , make the necessary decisions – if you answer no to both consider a parallel or entirely different subfield. Engineering has a wide scope anyway.
Increase your hands-on experience.
You do not learn everything in engineering school. That’s a given. Which is why having an internship gives you an edge over those who didn’t have them because the knowledge you gain in the experience is valuable.
Source: LinkedIn
Develop work habits.
And work ethics, too. Above the technical experience, you will subconsciously form work habits and ethics that you can use later when you are already a legitimate engineer. They are just as important at work.
Get connections.
Some companies absorb their interns while some do not. Regardless, being an intern already expands your relationship capital. The phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” applies here.
Your co-intern or your boss might remember you as someone who is a hardworking engineer-to-be. That leaves them an impression that you are an asset, thus inviting you to a company or recommending you to another.
Source: Entrepreneur
