The current economic status in many countries has made it difficult for under-qualified graduates to start their career. Due to a shortage of employment opportunities, many recent graduates consider internships to jumpstart their career and gain experience in their desired industry. As a result, companies have become aware of this trend and now offer competitive and appealing internship programs. However, some companies have become very relaxed about who they hire and what their responsibilities will be, making some internship programs not very ideal for career development. So when choosing the right internship, ask yourself these questions:

1. When Choosing the Right Internship,
Ask Yourself These Questions:

2. Is the internship environment right for me?
•Get a feel for the work environment.
•Make sure that your office makes you feel
comfortable.
•Don't settle for an internship that doesn't match your
personality.
•Your office space shouldn’t feel crowded.
•You should at least have your own chair desk,
computer, printer, phone, etc.

3. Does the nature of the work match my
major and career objectives?
•If you major in Business you shouldn’t be interning in a hospital.
•Look at the internship posting - Are the tasks very common and broad or are they
specific to your learning criteria?
•Ask the employer what you can expect from
the position.
•If you’re enrolled in a degree program, find out if the internship hours can be
applied as course credit.

4. Will I have meaningful tasks
and real responsibility?
•Sometimes interns realize they are not gaining insight or experience they were expecting.
•Your primary objective is to learn, both about
the business in general, as well as to acquire
the specific skills necessary to function effectively in the industry.
•Be proactive.
•Talk to your supervisor about what kind of tasks you’d be interested in doing.

5. Does the company offer any
perks or incentives?
•Free breakfast or lunch are always appealing.
•Does the company give half days/vacation
days/paid sick leave?
•Does the company invite you to meetings,
dinners or other activities?
•Benefits can boost an intern’s morale, foster
communication and help add value to the company.

6. Will my supervisor be around to guide me?
•There is nothing more frustrating than feeling
forgotten.
•With no one around to clarify questions, you may
never know if you’re doing things properly.
•Make sure there is always someone who you can
report back to, gain feedback from and ensure
you’re always learning.

7. Will I receive learning objectives and
feedback throughout my internship?
•Criticism should be constructive and helpful.
•Praise should give you the confidence to
keep up the great work.
•Well-documented learning objectives give
you clear direction and goals.
•Follow the SMART principleSpecific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.

8. Specialized in providing Paid Internships in China and Chinese Study
Abroad Programs to foreigners worldwide.
www.startupchina.com