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Don’t accept your internship offer before asking these questions

. 3 min read . Written by Nagma Hasan
Don’t accept your internship offer before asking these questions

In today’s highly competitive job market, getting an internship may feel like the first step to success. An internship can be the first move to transition from study to work by applying the theory and skills that you learnt in a real job.

There are chances you may want to plunge at the very first internship offer, however, may we suggest you weigh the pros and cons before accepting it. There are certain factors that need to be considered before making the big move. Here is a list we have assembled to help you take a wiser career decision.

Terms of the offer

It’s natural to have expectations and hopes for your job role but sometimes reality can be otherwise. It’s important that you understand the terms of your internship well. Not everyone’s internship experience is the same.

Varying from company to company, the policies and arrangements of industries may differ. Sometimes interns are likely to be exploited so make sure you know the expected work hours that you need to work, as well as the accurate designation of work that you will be training to do. Be aware if your internship is paid or unpaid and how much you will be compensated for and if you will receive your certificate after completing the internship.

Kool Kanya tip: Terms of offer mostly have a standard set of terms and conditions, but sometimes they can be tricky so glancing through is something you mustn’t overlook.

Role and responsibilities

While considering an internship it is vital to know what your role and responsibilities will be and it shouldn’t be confined to just fetching coffee or running between the printer machine and your desk.

Your purpose of an internship should meet your learning objective which ideally should help you hone your skills, broaden your network and understand the industry.

Don’t be afraid to ask who you will be reporting to or what your average day would be like, and what your work would comprise of.

Kool Kanya tip: An internship can easily result in a first job if you play your cards right. Ask if the company is looking to hire in the future, and if you will be considered if they like your work… because why not?!

Benefits

Do find out what are the benefits you can reap while interning. It could be a subsidised lunch or recompensed transportation. It can be beyond monetary benefits as well.

An internship gives you the perfect platform to network with the right kind of people. Apart from your colleagues, also be open to interacting with their clients – of course, keep it professional; don’t chat up with them, rather ask your boss if you can sit in on a meeting, take notes and understand how this works.

Kool Kanya tip: Make sure you know if the content or the task you are doing can be part of your portfolio or if you will be acknowledged for the jobs you have done publicly.

While you congratulate yourself on your internship offer, it is wise to ensure what you are accepting. Familiarise yourself with the details of the offer and make the right decision.

Good luck.

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