Career fairs are an excellent chance to explore your options for the future, develop skills to improve your chances of employment, and discover opportunities for work experience. One way to get valuable work experience while studying at John Cabot University is to take on an internship, and thankfully, JCU's Center for Career Services offers students, both current and alumni, the help they need to land these positions. The Center for Career Services considers applications based on merit and compatibility with the organization offering the position.
Taking advantage of applying for an internship or entry-level position through using the Center for Career Services can put you a step ahead in your professional journey. Read on for some of the reasons why doing an internship while studying is a great idea.
1. You Can Get Credits for Internships when You Study in Italy
If you meet the requirements, you can apply to undertake a for-credit internship during your time abroad. Students must be a third-year student with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and follow the necessary administrative steps. If you choose to do so, you can use one three-credit internship course towards your 120-credit graduation requirement for a degree. This is a way to earn credits while studying and build a strong resume.
A great deal of planning when you study abroad in Italy will be about making the most of your time. A for-credit internship maximizes your time by combining school credits with professional skill-building and exposure to real-life situations in an international environment. Taken all together, this can benefit your career and complement your education. A university education combined with hands-on, real-world experience helps equip you with the skills you need to enter the professional world.
2. Internships Offer Excellent Networking Opportunities
As an intern, you can take advantage of your position by getting to know the people around you. Building a professional network takes time, dedication, and experience. Getting a leg up on this while you are still in school is a smart choice that can make a big difference in how far your network reaches. Many internships and jobs are obtained through networking, making it a critical part of seeking out the opportunities you dream of.
Not only will you meet people who are working in the field you would like to enter, but you may also get to know other interns and students who have similar goals to yours. These are the people you will potentially be working in the future, so connecting with them is a wonderful strategy for strengthening your bonds and sharing information.
3. Interning while You Study in Italy Is a Crash Course in Professionalism
It’s important to present yourself as respectful, competent, and organized when you are applying for jobs or looking to further your career. These skills are best learned on your feet and in a real environment with other people who have been in the field longer than you. Interns are often placed in work environments where they need to learn quickly. You may find that you rapidly build or strengthen soft skills like communication, problem-solving, stress management, and teamwork by working as an intern when you study in Italy. These skills make you a more professional and trustworthy team member.
You will also get a chance to see how an organization operates and what helps it function smoothly. Getting an up-close look at the intricate workings of such an environment is irreplaceable and lets you live the experience as part of a system, not just as an observer.
Are you interested in studying abroad at American universities in Italy?
Contact John Cabot University for more information.
