Hi, nice to meet you, I am the COSMOPOLITAN digital intern - a 20-year-old student at Leeds University in England, trying my hand at working life.
I have one year left of my 'New Media and Communications' degree, and then that's me, done - out into the real world of trying to bag that job that 2 000 other wannabe journalists want.
Nervous? Yes. Excited? Yes. Scared? Nah.... not so much.
| Being 'The Intern' |
I was warned by all my friends that by being 'the intern' my job would be errand-runner and coffee/tea maker. But, I can assure you, the only cups of tea I have made have been for myself, and I haven't been asked to do a single boring or unpleasant job. Instead, my interning experience has opened my eyes to the way things work in the workplace and allowed me to meet some fun, amazing and talented people. Plus, it's totally confirmed my future career aspirations. I now feel much more at ease about graduating next year, as I can apply for job positions that list 'prior experience' as a requirement.
Ashley Swanepoel, managing director of recruitment agency Talentdesk, says, 'Experience will allow for an easier transition into the working world, giving you an edge on other candidates who may not have had any work experience.' With approximately 50.5 million people in South Africa (let alone the world) and a limited amount of top jobs, we are talking about serious competition, so why not get a head start?
'Internships are increasingly being recognised as positive career moves by both graduates and companies, and are being adopted in the hopes of up-skilling, training and retaining top talent - as well as assisting our youth to find gainful employment,' says Swanepoel. |
| Seek Out Your Internship |
| Be The Best You Can Be |
A Win-Win Situation
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