Employees at Career Services and students who have completed their internships advised students to prepare by discovering what they are passionate about. They said an internship gives students a sneak peek at their futures and can help them know if they’re on a career path that is right for them.
Preparation is key
Kenneth Kalama, manager of Career Services, said his job is to support, advise and consult students on internship experiences. He explained an internship isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, so preparation is an important part of the whole process.
Kalama explained, “What you want to do professionally may differ greatly from your co-workers. Before you do internships, it’s important to explore where you want to live, what you want to do and what you want to get out of the experiences.” He said once students figure out those key components, he can help them narrow down the search.
According to Kalama, preparation is the key to finding what you want to do in life professionally. He said, “Thinking about the experience a year in advance is really important.” He stressed that in order for him to help students, they need to know what they want out of their internship; the student is the only person who knows what he or she wants.
Career Services Mentor Camilla Paul, a senior from Malaysia majoring in interdisciplinary studies, said her job is to help students with the internship application process. “When students come to me for the first time, I ask them what their interests are and what they are looking for,” she explained.
She said she helps students to dig up their desires and helps them with what they need. If students don’t know what they want from the beginning, Paul said they often will just pick whatever comes their way and they may not enjoy it.
Do your research
She explained when students put more effort into researching their internship, they feel the experience is more fulfilling. She commented, “The students learn more from their internship when they explore their options. It’s better when you know your interests.”
Paul explained because there is no limitation or restriction placed on where students can go, the options are endless. So she said doing research about a place or organization will help the student get more out of the internship experience.
Know what you want
Munkhzul Galbadrakh, a senior from Mongolia majoring in hospitality and tourism management, recently completed her internship in Montana. She said, “I really enjoy nature and natural settings, so I knew I had to go somewhere close to nature.”
When Galbadrakh was going through her internship application process, she said an opportunity arose where she had a chance to intern at a Marriott hotel in Utah. However, Galbadrakh said she knew she wanted to be close to nature. “I did an internship in Montana, and it was the right place for me. I found everything I wanted there.”
Galbadrakh said she enjoyed her internship experience and learned the importance of communication. “In the work field, I have learned that being an effective communicator is an important skill,” she said.
Galbadrakh said doing an internship she enjoyed gave her the opportunity to learn things efficiently. The lessons she learned will stick with her for life, she explained.
Naimila Aluesi, a senior from Tonga majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said her internship exposed her to the real world. “I was able to practice what I learned in class in the real world,” she shared. She said her internship has helped her understand what she wants to do after she graduates.
Aluesi said, “[During your internship], you are not only representing yourself, but you also represent BYUH, so go out and do your best.” She said an internship will give students a sneak peek at their future and will help them know if they will enjoy their current career path or not. She stated, “Having an idea of what you want to do now can help you in the long run.”