Career Advice: 5 Reasons Why You Should Intern As Many Times As Possible

Piece by: Harun Momanyi
Lifestyle

Getting an internship can be the most life-changing experience for someone. You get the chance to rapidly grow from just a regular student to becoming the star of the company you're working in.

Famous Kenyan radio presenter Shaffie Weru is a fine example of this having joined Radio Africa Group as an intern. He has over the years grown to become one of the best radio show hosts in Kenya. The Kiss FM morning host says that being an intern made him what he is today.

“You start learning when you're young...it's easier for you to learn and understand when you're in your early 20's than when you're in your late 30's,” he says.

On how being a trainee impacted his life, Shaffie says “It made me learn a lot...from fetching coffee to cleaning...you're made to do everything. That's how you learn to communicate with people and understand them. You learn not to judge or question your bosses,”.

3. It builds your self-esteem and self-confidence

When you're in campus, you're still trying to discover yourself. You're building on your life goals and trying to achieve your wildest dreams. Incrementally, you're slowly learning to public speak without shuddering and believing in yourself. Being an intern makes that process go faster, and by the time you're done with your internship you'll be a much better person.

4. You'll avoid silly mistakes in your career

At the office, you'll get to interact with managers and your CEO. They all have a lot to share on their life experiences and career decision lessons that they've learned over the years. This will help you to avoid similar pitfalls.

5. It'll be the best way to discover yourself

When you intern, for example at a fashion retail company and you find yourself getting totally uncomfortable, you might need to shift gears and try out something else. This includes considering your 'second love,' which could be working as a fashion editor. You have a chance to determine which career path you'd love to follow early enough before it's too late.