An internship is pre-professional work experience that provides students, recent graduates, and those seeking to change careers with the opportunity to gain experience in a particular career or field.

For many people entering the job market, a big problem is often their lack of any work experience. Doing an internship during or right after your studies can give you this valuable experience, which is vital on your CV,  to improve your chances with future employers.

As an intern you can test the waters in a variety of careers or fields, gain "real-life" experience, and get to know different employers. Through an internship, you will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and interpersonal skills in a professional working environment.

An internship also serves as good practice for your eventual full-time job search. You will learn how to network, write cover letters and a CV, and interview efficiently. An internship is a great way to get an inside view of a company's practice and culture, an industry, and a particular occupation. It will help you to decide if you are interested in, or compatible with, a certain major or career field.

Three more important things to consider

• Because employers are risk-averse, many use their internship program as an opportunity to pre-screen interns as potential employees
• With more and more people doing internships, employers are coming to expect to see internships listed on your resume
• Internships are a differentiating factor especially in the context of high unemployment; you should consider an internship as an investment in your future