Why an Adult Internship Can Be Good for Your Career

Why an Adult Internship Can Be Good for Your CareerWhy an Adult Internship Can Be Good for Your Career12 really good for your career. Heres why.In a story called Internships Arent Just for College Kids, career coach Nancy Collamer discusses why so many adults are now heading back into the workforce as interns. Affectionately known as returnships, these adult interns are acutely aware that many people view interns as high school or college-aged kids. And while some intern postings will be targeted towards the younger set, theres no reason why an adult cant enjoy the benefits of interning.Adult Internships for Career ChangeUnder the right circumstances, internships can provide a useful bridge to a new field later in life and offer a smart way to take a test-drive before investing a lot of time and money retraining yourself, says Collamer, who runs the site My Lifestyle Career. Interning also provides a safe way in which people can dip their toes into a new industry without making a big financial commitment, such as shelling out big bucks by going back to school. It provides an outlet for workers who feel bored or stuck in their current positions, and a way to explore other career possibilities so they can eventually become unstuck.Companies Where You Might Find an Adult InternshipWhile there are a number of internships listed on job sites (such as ), some midlife internships are created by the individual herself. There are some companies, however, that have internship programs designed for adults changing careers or returning to the workforce after time away. Sara Lee and Goldman Sachs are just two companies that offer this type of program. Or you can always check with your alumni association to see if there are any interesting internships being offered.How to Make Your Own Adult InternshipIf you find a company that youd love to work for but isnt currently hiring interns, that doesnt mean that you cant work for them. Youll need to sell yourself, your years of wor k experience, and your dedication and loyalty. Craft a great cover letter that details why youre passionate about working for that company sans pay.Says Collamer To overcome an employers concern that youre unfamiliar with its field, stress that you bring years of transferable skills and experiences you can put to work. And according to Collamer, nonprofits tend to be a bit more welcoming to older interns than for-profit companies. Why? They value skills similar to those of a remote worker, such as the ability to self-manage and work independently.Understand Your Goals with an Adult InternshipBefore you start the first day of your internship, you should know ahead of time what youd like to get out of it. Your expectations and goals should be clearly defined and communicated with your boss ahead of time. After all, you are working for free, so topics such as your hours, responsibilities, learning opportunities, and your boss expectations should be mutually agreed upon by both of you.W hile the goal of many interns is to turn your internship into a full-time job, there will most likely be no guarantees that will happen. Companies dont want interns or volunteers to come with the agenda of potentially getting hired for a regular job. Rather, they want you to learn, grow, show passion for their mission, and become a part of the team. By doing all those things, youre showing them youd be a worthwhile hire without needing to say it.That said, you should definitely make the most of your internship Your goal should be to learn as much as you possibly can, take advantage of any opportunities given to you, grow your network, and above all, decide if this is a field that you would really love to continue on in.An internship is the opportunity to have a front row seat to the potential next phase in your career. That alone, job seekers, can be priceless.Readers, have you considered, or are you considering, an adult internship or returnship? What industry were you in before, a nd which one would you like to try now? Let us know in the comments section below