Why they’re important

An internship, even an unpaid one, gives you valuable work experience to add to your resume, and valuable contacts in your chosen field.

The work world is often very different from the academic world. An internship can give you a first-hand look at not only the business world but also the field you’re interested in. It can be just as helpful to know what you don’t want to do with your career than to know what you do want. You’ll learn something about workplace habits and culture, and you’ll gain confidence in your abilities.