It’s no secret that internships offer big time benefits to your career. What about the personal benefits, though?
How does your internship upgrade your personal life?
In just a few short months, you’ll find yourself better equipped to take on the world. That truth extends way past the walls of your cubicle.
1. You’ll boost your confidence
Your internship will give you the confidence to rise above your challenges. Nothing boosts your self-esteem like facing a challenge head-on and overcoming it.
As an intern, there will be surprises you hadn’t thought of, and you will have to find your inner super hero.
You may give your first presentation, produce research documents, or have a new idea. When you overcome the fear of “leaning in” at your internship, or voicing your opinion in meetings with higher-ups, you will feel empowered and motivated. That will show up in other areas of your life.
You can use your newfound confidence to set and achieve personal goals or let your new and improved self-image be the foundation for healthier, happier relationships with your friends and family.
2. You’ll appreciate the value of time
As intern you’ll quickly learn that every minute counts in your quest for success, and the last thing you’ll want to do is waste any of those precious hours. Internships are demanding, just like any professional job. You won’t have time to check your texts or your facebook page.
In your personal life, you will be more able to
- focus on immediate tasks
- manage your time more effectively
- make time for personal time
Your new grasp on the value of time will help you make the most of the little things, enjoy special moments, and most importantly – put your phone down and give your attention to the present.
3. Internships are a place for experimentation and speaking up
As an office newbie, you’ll quickly find that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You’re only one in a nest full of hungry early birds, and no matter how early you may be, you will all be vying for the same worm.
In order to be a standout among your interoffice peers, you’ll need to pipe up when you have a good idea. You may have to advocate for a special cause in a more authoritative voice than you’ve ever had to use before.
Shyer people have difficulty with this. But hey, internships are for experimentation and learning, so try new ways to be heard.
Here are some creative ways to present a new idea:
- Create a visual presentation
- Write a report
- Make a video
- Draw a “mindmap” of your idea
- Draw a cartoon
- Present it as a game
- Create it as a storyboard
- Make a mini website
- Create a slide deck
- Make a huge post it note
You don’t have to be an artist to do any of those things. It’s the creative thinking that will stand out.
The fact here is that there is value in whatever you have to say, but nobody around you can read minds. You can’t get credit for ideas you never share. You can’t stand out if you only ever whisper.
On a personal level, this will translate into an ability to think of another way to demonstrate an idea, stick up for your beliefs, confidence in advocating for your own wellbeing, and better communication skills in your personal relationships.
4. You’ll expect more of yourself
Overall, internships push you to give more of yourself, and there will be moments when you surprise yourself with what you can step up to.
As you continue to grow in a professional capacity, the positive effects will accumulate in direct proportion to that.
5. You’ll let go of the small stuff
If something doesn’t work, or you suffer a disappointment, interning will get you moving on quicker.
You won’t have the time to get stuck on anything. Don’t sweat the small stuff on the job, and in your personal life. Many leaders say this is one of the most important things they have ever learned.
You can limit those benefits to your career, or you can choose to let them impact you outside of the office as well. It’s totally up to you, but we recommend making the most of every opportunity for growth – now and in the future. For a good start, read Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean in.”
