- The importance of choosing the right internship
- 6 things to think about when considering internships
For many, an internship is just something you have to check off your to-do list before you can graduate college. But for others, it can be life-changing — setting them up for future success and impacting their career trajectory.
The right internship can help you build real-world skills, make valuable industry connections, and even land a full-time job. But not all internships are created equal.
If you choose wisely, you’ll gain hands-on experience that makes you stand out to future employers. If you choose randomly, you might waste a summer doing coffee runs.
At Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we hire interns each summer. Every day, we guide students in making the right decision when it comes to their futures.
So how do you find an internship that actually benefits you? Let’s break down what to look for so you can make the most of this opportunity.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Internship
Choosing the right internship is crucial; it can help shape your entire career trajectory and it provides valuable hands-on experience. It isn’t unheard of for a student to change their major after a life-changing internship early in their college education
Here are some key reasons why selecting the right internship matters:
- Builds Relevant Experience – Helps you gain industry-specific skills that make you more competitive in the job market.
- Expands Professional Network – Provides opportunities to connect with professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and future job leads.
- Enhances Resume and Job Prospects – A well-matched internship strengthens a resume and demonstrates practical experience to potential employers.
- Clarifies Career Goals – Gives you a real-world glimpse into your chosen field, helping you decide if it’s the right path for you.
- Develops Soft Skills – Encourages growth in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Opens Doors to Full-Time Offers – Many internships serve as a pipeline to full-time employment after graduation.
- Provides Hands-On Learning – Offers the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, reinforcing academic learning.
6 Ways to Choose an Internship
When deciding which internship is right for you, consider all the factors below.
1. Choose Something You’re Interested In
Choose an internship that interests you or aligns with your major — especially if you’re a junior or senior looking for career opportunities.
For instance, if you’re earning a business degree, it probably doesn’t make sense to do an internship in the engineering field. It might, however, make sense to do an internship in finance or marketing.
You’ll want to choose something that will help you excel in your major or help you along your career path.
However, if you’re a freshman or sophomore and still figuring it out, choosing something you’re interested in or that will teach you valuable skills is extremely beneficial. One, you might learn which career path you want to pursue. Two, you’ll grow a lot.
The moral of the story is this: Don’t just take a random internship because it’s offered to you. Choose one that will benefit you.
2. Be Open To New Possibilities
Yes, we just said to choose something related to your major, but you should also keep an open mind when considering your possibilities. You should still consider an internship that will help you meet your career goals, but be open to how different internships can teach you transferable skills.
For example, you might only want to intern at a large financial firm, but you may learn just as much at a smaller credit union.
Or, perhaps you want to do a marketing internship. Be open to all the industries you could pursue. You’re not closed off to only interning at a marketing agency. You could intern in any industry, really! ATS, for instance, has a thriving marketing team and can help you learn about transportation and how to market to different audiences.
Have an open mind and choose an internship that will give you the best skills possible to transfer to a job after school.
3. Look for Cross-Training Opportunities
Once you’ve narrowed down your prospects to a few different internships, find out which ones provide cross-training opportunities or additional education. For example, you might work in the sales department, but maybe you can either job shadow in other departments or hear from experts in different divisions.
Here at ATS, our interns can dip into different departments to learn more about the inner workings of the company. Guest speakers from across the company present to the interns each week so they gain exposure to marketing, sales, IT, and more. Interns also have the opportunity to job shadow.
Perhaps you’d prefer to stay in one department for the duration of your internship. But if you want to be exposed to other areas of the business, make sure your internship gives you that option.
While you’re at it, make sure you find out if your internship experience will be hands-on or hands-off.
Ask questions like:
- Will I actually be performing the role?
- Will I be watching someone else do it?
Some internships are hands-on while others are more observatory. Make sure their expectations align with your needs.
4. Pursue Schedule Accommodations
Look for an internship that can accommodate your scheduling needs. You might be taking classes still, you may have a family vacation planned, and you may be working a summer job (especially if the internship is unpaid).
If you have a lot going on, finding an internship that works with your schedule is key.
Be upfront about your expectations and make sure the company aligns with those needs.
5. Seek Opportunities for Future Employment
Especially if you’re a junior or a senior, look for an internship that could grow into full-time employment. You won’t have to worry about job hunting after graduation.
Think long-term:
- Would you want to work at this company several years down the road?
- Are they stable?
- Do they have room for growth?
- Do they have a good career path built out for the position you’re pursuing?
While you’re interning, you’ll get a feel for whether or not you want to work at the company long-term.
Make sure you also ask if you can intern with them again. For instance, maybe you could work for them again next summer. Or perhaps they’ll hold a position for you until you graduate next year.
6. Consider Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
Most internships have evolved into paid opportunities, but some are still unpaid. It’s advisable to focus more on the experience overall (and possible college credit) than the pay, but it’s still something to consider.
If the internship doesn’t pay, consider if you’ll have time for a paid job and if the internship can accommodate your work schedule.
Make Your Internship Count
An internship is more than just a graduation requirement — it has the potential to shape you and your career. Choosing the right one can help you build skills, make connections, and even land a full-time job after graduation. But the key is to be intentional.
Don’t settle for just any internship that comes your way. Find one that aligns with your interests, offers hands-on experience, and helps you grow. Be open to new opportunities, ask questions, and make the most of every learning experience.
The effort you put into choosing and excelling in your internship now will pay off when you’re ready to take the next step in your career. So go after an internship that works for you — your future self will thank you.
If you're looking for a great internship in Central Minnesota, look no further than ATS! We offer paid internships in sales, IT, marketing, and more. At ATS, you'll not only have the opportunity to be hands-on in your role, but you'll also have the chance to job shadow. Plus, we often offer our interns positions after they graduate.
Check out our open internships or contact us to learn more.
