When preparing for an internship, passion and purpose matter

Recently, I was invited to speak to a group of university students who were preparing to go on their internship.

While I was addressing students from public relations (PR) and communications, I realised that what I shared is applicable to any course or field of study.

I hope these tips are helpful to all students. This article could also be helpful to parents, because a great deal rides on a child’s upbringing.

In today’s highly competitive world, it’s never too early to start preparing and planning for your internship and subsequent career.

It starts with attitude

It all starts with having the right attitude – with having a passion for a skill, a craft, a subject, a field of study, and ultimately a profession. This is usually cultivated from a young age, both at home and in school.

Social interaction and reading broaden our minds and are the start of soft skills development. Soft skills like communication, adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and creativity are all highly sought after by employers.

High school / pre-university

Employers are looking for traits which I believe are developed from a young age, during high school and pre-university years. Read and educate yourself about the work and projects undertaken by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporations, different industries, different professions, trade skills, etc. This will open your mind to the options available to you.

Extra-curricular activities are an important aspect of high school education. Be an active member of a club or society that interests you. Make friends – it’s the start of business networking.

Also, take on part-time jobs to earn some additional spending money. Part-time work will teach you many life lessons, the most important of which are responsibility, discipline, and hard work. It will also look very good on a résumé. Employers value strength of character.

Pre-internship (this begins as soon as you start year one of university)

To secure your dream internship, you need to start very early. Begin by identifying industries and organisations that interest you.

Primary industries include agriculture, forestry, and mining. Secondary industries focus on manufacturing, construction, and processing resources from primary industries.

Tertiary industries provide services, including entertainment, finance, and retail.

Today, knowledge-based and intellectual economic activities that involve advanced information technology, research and development, and consulting services are in great demand.

Educate yourself and keep updated on the industry you’re interested in – what issues the industry is facing, future prospects, how the industry is using artificial intelligence (AI), etc. When you’re called for an interview, you’ll be able to chat intelligently and enthusiastically about it and impress the interviewer.

A candidate who demonstrates passion and purpose is more likely to succeed at getting that much-sought-after internship – the first step in securing the career of your dreams.

I’m a firm believer in this saying by Confucius: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

I’ll close with some advice. To parents, raise your children to have passion and purpose. To students, find your passion and pursue it with purpose.