Test Driving Career

From MNC’s to NGO’s, writing to film making, banks to hospitals, it is common enough fact, especially
in third world countries; that a student who has had industry exposure is more likely to be successful
in job market then one who has not. This very fact propels students towards internship opportunities
and career counseling seminars or job fairs arranged by prospective employers. As we don’t posses skill
development institutes that the standard of those gigantic industry. From the companies viewpoint,
offering these services and opportunities to students ensure that prospective employees are somewhat
aware of the corporate environment and have basic technical expertise. Due to the gap between
academic qualification and professional work field in country like Pakistan internships act like a bridge
to provide fresh talent to industry. Hence it’s always a good idea for students to work in real industry to
have a test drive before participating in race.

I offer the following tips as my first hand experience for internees to keep in mind.

1. Ask friends and family if they know someone in relevant industry and try to meet that person.
But, as you don’t decide to marry on your first date, don’t expect that person to offer you
internship in your first meeting. But this may prove helpful in getting your foot in the door.
2. Use social network like facebook, linkedin to built network ad try to maintain a blog per week
either purchase a domain or use blogger or wordpress to create one.
3. Visit different industry and university fair to meet, update and network with some professional.
4. Be in touch with alumni to help you in providing you a lead for upcoming internship.
5. Create a pint of difference in you and treat you as brand or product that posse’s solution to
specific problems.


All in all, internships are more then just a way to enhance your coffee-fetching powers. Whether you are
a recent graduate or student, Internship programs offer students and fresh graduates a chance to prove
themselves as dream employer. Above all, they either paid or not, it is best possible way to avoid the
common job seeker impasse – you need experience to get a job and you need job to gain experience.
Internship will fill that empty space on your resume and prepare you for bigger better things. Sure you
may have to part of unemployed crowd for a few more months, but the experience you will gain, will
make you attractive for employers.