An engineering internship is a form of training that enables engineering students to acquire on-the-job knowledge of engineering skills. Such interns could be university students who graduated recently, possessing degrees in engineering. Internships can help such fresh graduates to gain real world experience from a company.
How Long Does Such an Internship Last?
Model curriculum specifies six months for students’ internships. This normally takes place at different stages during the program.
Do Engineering Students Get Paid During Internships?
When you compare paid internships to unpaid internships, paid internships are fewer. What this means is that you will hardly be paid during your engineering internships.
However, students who insist on paid internships do compromise and go for their internship in another industry. That is, they go for internship on field they did not train for.
Benefits of Internships
You certainly stand to gain a lot if you successfully complete your engineering internships, such benefits are discussed beneath:
. Industry Contact – internship enables you to make industry contacts. Such contacts become useful when you start to seek for jobs.
. Resume – the work experience you gained looks good, as they are mentioned in your resume.
. The theory you learnt at the university is now put into industry practice.
. Specialization – internship helps you decide which area you should specialize.
. During internship unforgettable life experience is gained.
How Do I Make My Internship Successful?
There are eight ways you can follow to get the best out of your engineering internships, which are:
. Be attentive always, be keen to learn.
. Maintain positive attitude. Show gratitude always.
. Use the internship opportunity to expand your network.
. Be practicing two-way mentoring.
. Be open minded; get feedback on how you are performing.
. Give more priority to quality over quantity.
. Stay focused, ensure you make success of your internship.
. Be professional in handling your functions.
Can One Make Failure of Internship?
Yes, there are ways some interns take to fail in their internships. Some of such ways are discussed as follows:
- Failure to take the job seriously is common way of failing the internship.
- Some make a good start only to start slacking off. This is another sign of failure.
- Some do not obey directives; this too can contribute to failure.
- Showing up late is another bad habit.
- It is also a mistake for interns to try doing too much.
Expectations From Internship
Engineering internship is a form of exchange in design. The intern agrees to perform functions that will be of benefit to the company. In return, the organization gives the student an opportunity to acquire new skills. The opportunity is inclusive of intern’s knowledge expansion on the chosen field. Finally, the student is allowed to explore career options.
More Tips on Making the Most of Your Internship
Stay Organized; ensure accuracy in jobs you handle. Manage your time; prioritize duties. Keep track record of your projects; such information will be of benefit to you in the future. Finally, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Summing Up
Engineering internship is a form of training which enables an engineering student to acquire on-the-job knowledge of engineering skills. Such interns could be university students who graduated recently, possessing degrees in engineering. Most companies don’t pay interns but there are few ones that do pay.
You stand to enjoy many benefits provided you complete your internships successfully. Tips on how to make your internships successful has been discussed. Things that lead to internship failure are many, including not taking the job seriously.
