03/04/2014
5 reasons why you must intern with a start-up
Internships are the gateway to a world full of exciting possibilities and opportunities.
They are usually a student's first foray into the real world and go a long way in forming impressions that determine crucial career choices.
While big companies, marketable brand names and attractive stipends are the first targets when it comes to scoring star internships, lately a lot more variety has been introduced into this game.
Most internships do not pay stipends. Students are okay with that because they get to associate themselves with prestigious organisations and make valuable connections.
Such commodities money cannot buy. Also such commodities start-ups cannot offer.
Start-ups have been changing and challenging the status quo ever since they came into the fray. They are tacitly small, independently funded and fast developing organizations that are founded on certain ideals and focus on inspiring ideas by the way of doing business.
Misunderstand not, they are very money oriented. However, profits are not the mainstay of the organisation. Values are.
Though internships are usually the byword in a student's bible, their value can be explored at any given time in an adult’s life- especially if one is an aspiring entrepreneur.
For most of those who sit on swivel chairs behind swanky desks, earning a jaw dropping salary, but yearn to seek more, give more, learn more and ultimately love more; this is the way to go.
If you've been following updates from the debacle that is the US economy (who are we to talk, but still) you'd have read that more people in their forties and fifties, once they got laid off turned to internships to boost their resume, learn new skills and find new inspiration.
Here are some reasons why you should intern or work in a start-up.
1. Optimum responsibility
Did I mention that start-ups are perennially low on funds?
That means that every hand on deck has to pull double duty to be able to make it to the end line.
Even lowly interns will be entrusted with work far above their station, given that you've proven your mettle of course.
As long you are seen to be sincere in your intentions, it does not matter if your resume does not boast of starry activities.
Your workload will be sizeable; your contribution an important part of the core of the organisation and you yourself will be invaluable to day-to-day operations.