Internships in GIS. Slave labour or valuable work experience? Are internships worth what they are all cracked up to be? Do you get the experience you need? Is it just a way for industry employers to get free labour?

Well, the above statements could all be construed as potentially controversial but let me delve further and try and highlight who you should approach any job, not only an internship.

Firstly I must say that I am not a believer of ‘free’ work experience as I feel that employers can use it to exploit the fact that they have a semi-skilled employee for a number of weeks or months to use on projects that they should be paying someone to do.

Not all internships are unpaid but I do feel that both intern and employer get more out of the relationship if there is a financial reward associated with the work. The employer is more likely to put you on valuable, experience building projects and the intern is more likely to try to make a good impression and use the program to grow their skills.

Be Clear

Any job, paid, unpaid, voluntary, no matter what the situation, you will get out of it what you put into it. Before starting an internship, be clear as to what you want to get out of it and what the employer is looking to get out of you. You would be surprised how many people go into any job without really asking the simple questions about what the role entails and what are the expected outcomes.

If you go into the internship without this very clear, you may find yourself feeling let down and not gaining the skills you are seeking. Worst of all you may end up with a bad reference because the employer was expecting something else. Ask the questions before you start and do not be afraid to get very specific as this will not only show initiative but will show the employer the sort of person they are taking on.

Be proactive

When you start the internship, be proactive in a number of ways. Get to know the others in the office. Get to know their roles, their experience, where they fit in the hierarchy, who you can turn to for advice. Always be willing to lend a hand to others as this will help you learn new skills and develop new industry relationships.

Be one of the first to arrive, be one of the last to leave, do a good through job and go the extra mile. These are traits that will serve you well in all facets of your career. If you want a good book to read look at “Think and grow rich” by Napoleon Hill as this is the basis of the book and how many people move through the ranks in an organisation quickly.

Feedback

Get feedback at all stages of the internship. Have a weekly meeting with your supervisor to discuss your progress and how they feel you are fitting in. It is also a good time to express any concerns you may have or even to discuss other opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for future opportunities. Some employers will ‘churn and burn’ interns as this is a way to keep costs down. Do not let employers take advantage of you. Stand your ground and be clear why you are there.

Talk with the other team members and ask them what they are working on. This may lead to continued opportunities for you to gain extra skills or lengthen the time of the internship or even to the possibility of a permanent role.

Finding Internships

Over coming weeks I will investigate where to find internships but in the past I have made a big point of networking and this will be vital in finding the right opportunity.