From Campus to Career

Lydia Kado as an intern at University of Michigan.

Making the most of internships

By Jenna Abroo

Everyone knows the goal of going to college and earning a degree is to gain the education needed to find a job after graduation. One key part of that journey is securing an internship. Internships help students build connections in the workforce, gain professional experience in their chosen field, and strengthen their resumes. They’re not just important—they’ve become almost essential to the college experience, especially in today’s competitive job market.

Some internships begin with simple roles, like assisting within a company or shadowing experienced professionals. No matter the setting, one thing remains true: the skills gained as an intern can shape you into a stronger working professional. Internships offer real-world experience and, in many cases, provide part-time income as well. Many colleges and universities even require them for credit toward graduation. But where does one start?

Landing a great internship comes down to a few key factors: timing, commitment and your accomplishments. Many professionals recommend getting involved in a variety of activities and organizations to build both experience and connections. According to the recruitment site LinkedIn, “College students with previous internship experience are 85% more likely to secure job offers.”

While we know how important internships are, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. The first step is simple: figure out where to apply. Today, most applications are submitted online—either directly through company websites or through third-party platforms like LinkedIn, Monster and Indeed.

Another valuable route is in-person networking. Many employers recruit at job fairs hosted by colleges and universities. During my undergraduate years at Oakland University, I attended countless job fairs and networking events. One of the best pieces of advice I picked up is to treat these events like a real job interview. Prepare a concise elevator pitch that highlights your skills, dress in appropriate business attire and bring multiple copies of your resume and any relevant certificates.

Showing up prepared and presenting the best version of yourself is one of the most effective ways to make a strong impression. Treating these events like real interview experiences will also help you appear more confident and polished. It’s just as important to follow up afterward if you’ve made a connection. Small, intentional details are often what recruiters remember—and they can give you an edge over other candidates.

Mock interviews, often offered through college career centers, are another great resource. Learning to take advantage of the tools available to you is a skill that extends far beyond college and into your professional life.

Once you’ve secured a connection or interview, it’s just as important to find the right fit for yourself. Many students believe any opportunity is worth taking—“a job is a job.” While that can be true, it’s far more beneficial to be thoughtful and intentional about the roles you pursue.

Local college graduate Lydia Kado of Bloomfield Hills, 23, shared some insight on the internship search. Kado has extensive experience networking and securing internships—at one point, she even leveraged connections through the Chaldean Community Foundation to land an opportunity. She has since interned with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office, the United States House of Representatives as a congressional intern, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, among others. She currently works as a paralegal at a legal aid clinic in Detroit and plans to attend law school this fall.

One of Kado’s biggest pieces of advice is to “apply for what you think you’ll be passionate about, while also keeping an open mind. If you end up not liking your internship placement, treat it as an opportunity to redirect toward something that better fits you. Overall, take every experience seriously. You may want a letter of recommendation later, or that professional relationship could even lead to a future job offer.”

Kado also emphasized that interning across a variety of settings helped her better understand different professional sectors. Each experience, whether it confirmed her interests or challenged them, played a role in shaping her career path.

Throughout my own college years, I applied to a wide range of internships and jobs. Once I found opportunities that felt like a good fit, I was determined to make the most of them. One of the best habits I developed was consistently challenging myself. I asked for constructive feedback from supervisors and advisors, volunteered for special projects and made it a point to shadow more experienced professionals whenever possible.

Even when I wasn’t fully equipped or didn’t yet have the expertise to contribute, I still asked to observe. Taking the time to understand the process and the details behind each task helped me learn far more than sticking strictly to my assigned role. That kind of real-world experience has continued to benefit me now that I’m a few years into my career.

Ultimately, the key to both applying for and succeeding in internships is being intentional with your goals and committed to your own growth. Use the resources available to you, highlight your strengths, and push yourself to take full advantage of every opportunity. That’s how you truly make the most of your internship experience.