Getting your Career Started

We’ll explore how to kickstart your career by securing an internship or apprenticeship before moving into a full-time role. Let’s clarify the difference between the two:

Internship

An internship is a temporary work contract, typically lasting from a week to a few months. While internships are often arranged through schools, they can also be found independently. The goal is to give you a real-world glimpse into the industry, helping you understand the workplace dynamics.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a longer-term work contract, usually lasting one to two years. It’s a commitment to learn a craft under the guidance of one or more mentors. This experience is designed to equip you with the skills needed to transition smoothly into a full-time position.

Junior Position

A junior position is your first step into a full-time role after completing an internship or apprenticeship, where you’ll continue to develop your skills in a professional setting.

‍

Why Should You Consider It?

Depending on where you are in your life, career, or education, an internship or apprenticeship can be a fantastic way to enter the industry. Here’s why:

• It’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door, gain insights into the industry, and learn from mentors—all while getting paid, with no prior experience required.
• Mentorship is crucial to your professional growth. Your mentor’s role is to ensure you gain a realistic view of the workplace and help you adapt and thrive in this new environment.
• If you meet or exceed your employer’s expectations and they have openings, internships and apprenticeships often lead to full-time job offers.

When to Start

Don’t wait. It’s best to research and develop your desired skills on your own before seeking professional experience. Show potential employers that you’re proactive and already knowledgeable.

Remember, this experience won’t teach you everything. Building and honing your skills is ultimately your responsibility. In the next lesson, we’ll cover tools to help you with this.

Adopting the Right Attitude

The more proactive, obsessed, and persistent you are, the more motivated and skillful you’ll appear to potential employers. This mindset will serve you well as you navigate your early career.

‍

If you’re uncertain about whether to apply for an internship, apprenticeship, or jump straight into a full-time role, consider the following:

• Most people start with an internship during school and move on to an apprenticeship after completing their education.
• If you’re unsure, seek professional opinions to help you make an informed decision. You don’t want to aim too high or too low.
• Check out the Bonus section for an email template you can use when asking professionals for advice.

‍

‍