Published on February 27, 2015 | by MacKenzie Thomson Photography by Matt Barnes
0The experiential challenge
Right now, the race is on for a lot of students to find their summer internships. They have spent many nights sending off resumes, cover letters and emails – just crossing their fingers in hopes that something comes their way.
With an insanely competitive market, its no wonder students have a hard time getting an internship, let alone one that pays. While it may be a hassle, students within the Humber and Guelph-Humber community are really at an advantage because internships and placements are a requirement for graduation.
Placement and Internship Coordinator, Pirom Houth says the benefit of an internship implemented in post-secondary gives students the means to launch a career after graduation,
“Internships add to experiential learning. They give students the confidence and skills that they will need to succeed in the workplace after they leave school,” said Houth.
Actually getting to the internship is the big challenge for students. Houth says though it may be challenging, there are so many resources for students on campus that will get them there.
“We support students in finding these placements. We have partnerships with association like Shaw Media. We also have plenty of resources in the career centre that will set students up with the skills they need, like resume and cover letter reviews to mock interviews,” said Houth.
While students are given the tools to get there, the hard work is just beginning. Photography student, Emily Ferris, who got an internship on her first try, says it isn’t all lights, camera, action.
“I start my day with some pretty basic tasks. The stereotypical make coffee, clean the bathroom kind of stuff. I can’t tell you how good I’ve gotten at organizing a garage,” said Ferris.
“Later on in my day is when the really cool stuff happens. I get to watch the editing process, which is very rare because a lot of the time you don’t get to see what a photographer does in post-production,”
Not all students can find an internship like Ferris did, and finding an internship can be a little more challenging. You have to be exactly what an employer is looking for.
Matthew Blackett, creative director and co-founder of Spacing Magazine says there are a few tools you will need in your belt if you want to come intern with him and his staff.
“There’s no beating around the bush, you have to move as quickly as possible, you need to have chops,” said Blackett.
Blackett, who is also a former Humber journalism teacher, agrees that internships as a requirement can be a valuable experience, but some students need to put more effort in when it comes down to it.
“I think that some students could put more work because it goes towards their marks, it goes towards them getting a reference letter in the future – So, I think when (students) find out that the internship is mandatory, they have to find something that fits them,” said Blackett.
Blackett tells us the best way to make the most of an internship is to maintain the relationship once it’s everything is all said and done.
“Keep pitching and show interest to where you interned. We try and get the best of the lot and knowing that you’re in it for the long term will make you stand out.”
About the Author
MacKenzie Thomson MacKenzie is a third-year journalism student at Guelph-Humber. In her spare time she loves to Netflix-binge and eat burritos
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