Before my internship, my idea of what exactly I wanted to do with my degree was vague. I knew that I was interested in politics but had yet to determine what that translated into when thinking about a future career. It was not until I participated in the Washington Community Scholar Center program in Washington, D.C. last Spring that I found my passion for policy work. I have since become a strong believer in the value of internships during a college career.

One of the intrusive thoughts in the back of my mind prior to my internship was whether the path I chose when entering EMU was truly the right career for me. What if I had graduated and realize that I spent tens of thousands of dollars on a degree that I don’t even like?

I took this internship as a “test run” for my future vocation. Internships are less risky in this way, as they are temporary, with many lasting for only a semester or a few weeks during a summer. is mentality is helpful, as it lends a critical view to the work that you are doing. If it ends up going well, you have gained job experience. If it doesn’t, you have earned clarity and can continue on to other paths that will better suit you. is is also beneficial in determining what work environment best suits your style. Office size and environment can have a significant impact on the work that is done each day.

Experience in an office environment also provides a realistic vision for what expectations post-grad will be like. While deadlines in college may be extended, it is rare to have the same privilege in a workplace. Skills such as getting work in promptly are quickly learned, as they can have real-life repercussions if materials are not done properly and on time. There are also opportunities to learn the standards of quality that are expected in a workplace. Internship advisors often give feedback on work. This is helpful in further developing writing and research skills before entering a more permanent position.

With these expectations, you will also gain experience in navigating co-worker relationships. These connections, if tended to, can open up doors and connect to future employers or opportunities. Many people are happy to interact with young people interested in their field and can become valuable resources for information. Networking through internships is common and should be taken advantage of whenever possible.

Besides these benefits, what I perhaps found the most exciting about having an internship was being able to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real life. Research and writing skills that in college feel mundane become valuable tools in finding information that will be used to inform policy and advocacy decisions. Having the opportunity to apply my learning was the encouragement that I needed to fuel my last couple of years of undergraduate studies.

Internships, when pursued with an open mindset and a willingness to work hard and learn eagerly, can be fantastic opportunities to discern vocation and grow in skills that will help ensure success after graduation.