Is it Worth Doing an Internship?
Many young people feel stressed about starting their careers. Getting your first work experience is key to career growth. But students or pupils might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth doing an internship to get your first entry on a CV — this article is for you!

What Is an Internship?

Before we ask if internships are worth it, let’s explain what they are. An internship is a form of work for young people, mainly students or recent graduates. It helps you gain your first skills and work experience. It also lets you see if a certain field is the right fit for you. Internships usually last from a few weeks to a few months. They can be paid or unpaid, depending on the deal between the company and the intern.

Is It Worth It? Benefits of Internships

• Gaining experience – One of the main reasons to do an internship is to get experience. In many fields, even a little bit of experience matters to employers. A student or graduate who has done an internship shows they are motivated and willing to learn.

• Developing skills – Internships help you learn things you don’t get from school. That includes both hard skills (like using specific software) and soft skills. You’ll learn teamwork, communication, negotiation, and how to solve problems. These are very valuable for future employers.

• Getting to know the industry – Internships show you what daily work in a certain job or field really looks like. This helps you decide if you want to stay in that area. Internships are not only for learning skills. They also help you learn about the job market and make career decisions.

• Building connections – During an internship, you can meet people from your field. These contacts can help you later on or become mentors.

• Job opportunities – Many companies hire interns who show potential. If you are responsible and engaged, they might offer you a junior position afterward. But it’s also okay to say no if you find the field isn’t for you. That’s also a good reason to do an internship – to find out what you like and don’t like.

Possible Downsides of Internships

Internships are a great way to start your career, but they also have some downsides. It’s good to know them before you decide.

• Low or no pay – A big issue with some internships is that they are unpaid or pay very little. For many people, this is a serious problem. Not everyone can afford to work for free. Think carefully if a certain internship gives you enough financial support.

• No job guarantee – Some employers offer jobs to interns, but not always. You might do your best and still not get hired afterward. That’s not a failure! Ask for feedback and a reference letter at the end. These can help you in the future.

How to Make Your Internship Worth It

If you decide to do an internship, try to get as much out of it as possible. Here are two tips to help:

• Choose a good company – Many companies now run strong internship programs. They are designed to give real, useful experience. Forget the old jokes about making coffee for three months! Read the internship ad and check if the company has a plan for helping interns learn. That way, you’ll get better treatment and better learning.

• Match it with your interests – Internships are a great time to explore your interests. Pick one that matches your passions or dreams. But stay open-minded. You don’t have to stay in the field forever. It’s okay to change your mind later.

So, Is It Worth It? Yes! Find an Internship Offer!

• MojeStypendium.pl Internship Database – Since 2013, this site has been collecting internship offers. Most of them are paid and high quality. You can learn a lot from them.

• Other places to search – Try sites like Absolvent.pl, Pracuj.pl, RocketJobs, or EuroStudent.pl. Many employers post internships there.

• University career offices – Most universities have a career office. They often post internship offers online. Check the one at your school!

• NGO or culture internships – Want to work in social organizations? Check NGO.pl. For cultural institutions, try “Pracuj w Kulturze,” run by the National Centre for Culture.