For students, it’s that time of year again. Time to work out before the beach, time to improve grades before it’s too late and time to figure out what the heck you’re doing this summer.
While sipping umbrella-shaded drinks poolside is a dream summer break, you won’t get much more than a killer tan. What you really need is something to keep you busy, hopefully earn you some cash and give you a better understanding of the real world. What you need is an internship.
Internships, like Vineyard Vines and Sperry shoes, have become the latest trend on college campuses. Students search high and low for the perfect internship opportunity in their field of interest in hopes that it will confirm the fact that, yes, they picked the right major and, yes, they will actually enjoy working in this field once they enter the real world.
My internships have dramatically changed the scope of my professional life. They have opened doors and taught me more than I thought possible about the advertising and marketing industries. And I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process.
GCG Marketing understands that an internship is not about memorizing your boss’ Starbucks order or slaving away over a copy machine. GCG understands that it is about providing opportunities. And it’s up to us as interns to take advantage of these opportunities.
A solid advertising or marketing internship might involve a few copies here and there, but its primary objective is to provide students with a chance to take ownership on meaningful and engaging projects, all the while providing significant opportunities for education and growth.
Gen Y interns have an innate desire to contribute and feel like they belong. A successful internship program accomodates these needs all the while providing an opportunity to learn in a dynamic, hands-on work environment.
My current internship at GCG has been stellar. I’ve been able to apply what I learn in class toward my projects and responsibilities at work. Real world application – there’s nothing quite like it.
At the end of the day, an internship, wherever it may be, is the best complement to your classroom education. Internships, whether paid or unpaid, are the best way to prepare you for life beyond college. You can gain so much – mentally, academically, socially, emotionally and professionally – it’s really just up to you to make it happen.
