Want to improve your odds of getting a job after college?
According to a survey, an internship now can pay off down the road.
Fifty-nine percent of managers who hire college interns said they are likely to hire their interns as full-time employees after graduation, according to a national survey released Sept. 19.
"Internships not only help to build skill sets and establish a successful track record; they offer great networking opportunities to land a position after graduation," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.com.
She said having an internship can give students the edge they need to get hired.
"It's a competitive job market out there, and the first thing employers look for is relevant experience," she said.
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In addition, 62 percent of employers surveyed said they plan to pay $10 or more per hour to interns, and 23 percent will pay $15 or more. Only 14 percent of hiring managers said they offer unpaid positions, according to the study.
The survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive for CareerBuilder.com and asked 3,169 hiring and human resources managers to rate the importance of internships.
When asked which factors influence their decision to hire college interns for permanent positions, 77 percent of hiring managers said it is the student's ability to produce quality work on time. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the intern's level of professionalism also factor into the decision, according to the survey.
University spokesman Benson Hendrix said there are many internship opportunities for students to take advantage of at UNM.
"Internships are important regardless of the field you go into," he said. "Whether you are majoring in English, business, education or political science, an internship gives you real-world experience that potential employers look for."
Hendrix, who did public relations internships with Sandia Prep, the UNM Health Sciences Center and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer while an undergraduate, said he gained valuable experience.
"What you learn in school can mesh with what you learn on the job," he said. "They complement each other. In class you learn the basics, but in your internship you see the real-world application of everything."
Karolyn Cannata-Winge, mass communication and journalism faculty member and internship coordinator, said about 25 students from the department earn credit for an internship every semester.
"Unlike many other programs, internships are not required for communication and journalism majors," she said. "But they are strongly encouraged. Every student should do at least one."
Cannata-Winge said internships may be crucial for students to build their career, but they can also show students what direction they should take in their field.
"We can never underestimate the value of networking and building a portfolio," she said. "What it does is further your opportunity in a given career and help you find out if a job is right for you."
