This is blog post was written by a friend of the Intern Queen Network, Clayton Wert, a 2013 graduate of Central Pennsylvania College.
Everyone wants to finish off their degree strong and have an internship or two under their belt. After all, those are two things that will definitely help someone like you and I stand out to employers while we take the time to earn experience. Most likely, you're still young. You have no huge commitments yet (aside from the looming storm cloud of tuition over your head); why not gain the value of an internship in a new country?
Students from all over the United States and in other parts of the world are taking the opportunity to intern abroad. One of the best ways these students are taking that opportunity is through Dream Careers, an organization that connects students like you and I to internships in your industry of choice like advertising, fashion, film, broadcasting and more.
I participated in the Dream Careers program myself, and it's an experience that has changed my life. Here are the reasons why you should leave home and experience an internship in a new country:
1. Make connections that are valuable the world over. Any time I sit down to speak with a student about working at a new internship or growing professionally, I always stress that networking is the most valuable tool at your disposal. The summer I worked at my internship through Dream Careers allowed me to get my foot in the door with different people across all industries. Imagine the possibilities of networking with professionals across the globe - they're endless! Just picture connecting with fashion designers in Paris or some marketing managers in London; it will open up a whole new world of opportunity.
2. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the culture. A society's culture is largely focused on how the locals work day-to-day. By taking an internship abroad, you'll understand the ins and outs of the people who live and work in that city. You'll become more than just a tourist because you're contributing to the growth of their company. You'll make friends with your work peers and become a true part of the community. You're also going to be spending a considerable amount of time in the country, which beats a two-week visit on your vacation.
3. You will grow more than you ever thought imaginable. Growth comes from change, and the bigger the change, the more you will grow. Placing yourself in a new country like the UK, France, Spain or China (the countries that Dream Careers gives you the opportunity to work in) will give you an entirely changed perspective on the world, both in your personal and professional life. You'll have the opportunity to bring that different perspective back home with you.
Allowing for both personal and professional growth is right outside of your bubble. Make connections, immerse yourself in the culture, and find success. Once you step outside of your comfort zone, you'll grow more than you ever thought possible.
If you are interested in taking an internship abroad, check out the Dream Careers Summer 2015 international programs!