In today’s competitive era, only bookish knowledge is not enough. To achieve success, professional experience, practical skills and the ability to face the changing challenges with time are also necessary. With this thinking, the University of Wollongong (UOW) emphasizes on teaching its students not only theory but also real world skills. This is the reason why UOW considers internship and practical learning an important part of every degree program.
UOW student Shahira Mohseni also did an internship program with this objective, which not only benefited her a lot in terms of career, but she also learned a lot about life and the professional world. In this article, based on Shahira’s experiences, we will know what 7 important lessons we get from internship.
Learning to put your knowledge and skills into practice
Whatever theory we have studied in college – be it marketing strategy, business analysis or communication planning – how to apply them in the real world, is understood only by going through internship.
During her internship, Shahira worked at Zig Zag Hub, a co-working space in Wollongong. There, she learnt how to do a competitor analysis, create a complete marketing communication plan and apply marketing theory in the real world. This experience boosted her confidence manifold.
Understood the benefits of networking
During her internship, Shahira learnt how to interact with professionals, introduce herself, share her skills and interests. She learnt how to talk to businessmen and entrepreneurs, ask them questions, and understand their business models.
This process not only improved her communication, but also created a strong professional network – which is very helpful in future careers. Shahira also created a digital network by connecting with all of them on LinkedIn.
Understanding workplace culture
Every company has its own unique work culture. This culture determines how people communicate, help each other, and get work done. An international student, Shahira, learnt from others that it is important to observe them and their methodology of working. She also learnt that if an individual does not understand something, he/she should not hesitate to question the person. Asking for clarification demonstrates professionalism.
Enthusiasm and curiosity are the biggest weapons
During the internship, Shahira realized that if you are eager to learn a job, show interest in taking on new tasks and ask questions – it shows that you want to be an active part of the team.
Because of this enthusiasm, she was ready to learn something new every day. This attitude made a good impression on her manager and she got more opportunities to prove herself. Curiosity and a passion for learning can make your internship experience even more valuable.
Journaling is a must for self-development
Shahira made it a habit to note down her daily experiences, advice she received, her strengths and weaknesses. She wrote down everything in a journal every day, which helped her understand her own thinking.
This method became a great way to introspect. It also helped her figure out the areas she needed to improve and the aspects she should be proud of. Every student should adopt this habit – it gives both confidence and maturity in the future.
Effective communication is so important
As everybody says, communication is the essence of success, particularly in the workplace. Therefore, if something is bothering your mind concerning the task of your internship, it is better to put a call to the manager, rather than suffering in silence for misconceptions that are bound to lead to mistakes. However, Shahira also learned that if some general information can be found on the internet, do your own research first.
This not only increases your self-reliance but also saves the team’s time:
- Effective communication in an internship:
- increases productivity,
- improves team rapport,
- and builds your image as a responsible and proactive person.
Taking and embracing feedback is a lesson
Receiving feedback, be it good or bad, is imperative for personal and professional growth. Shahira felt criticism could be painful to hear sometimes but taken with an open mind, it could make the world of a difference in your career.
Through feedback you:
- understand your mistakes,
- identify your strengths,
- and prepare yourself to do better in the future.
This is also the real purpose of an internship – to learn, understand and improve yourself.
Finally – why is an internship important?
Like Shahira Mohseni, if you do an internship at the University of Wollongong, you will not only gain real work experience, but you will also learn:
- how to channel your studies,
- what skills are important for a career,
- and how to adapt to changing times.
UOW’s philosophy that “we need not just to be experts, but to adapt to change and solve the challenges of the future” is very relevant in today’s world.
Conclusion
Every student should experience at least one internship – it not only gives you an insight into the reality of careers but also improves your confidence, communication, networking and professionalism significantly Internships are not an additional responsibility but the strongest foundation for your future.
