5 Ways Your Internship Experience Can Help You Land Your Dream Job.

An internship is an opportunity for you to learn more about what you want to do in the future with your college degree. Not only that, but it is also a chance for you to figure out your weaknesses, strengths, likes, dislikes, and many things that come with a job. So I'm here to help you navigate through how to make sure that you get the most of your internship experience and land your dream job. Everyone's internship is different, but here are the five things that have helped me to not only learn more about myself, but that also helped me to look for my dream job.

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First, look for the mission of the organization or company that you're interning at. Do you agree with it? Does it fit with your ethical beliefs? For example, this summer, I did an internship at a non-profit organization called, Operation Mobilization in Tyrone, Georgia.

The mission of Operation Mobilization is solely reaching the 3 billion unreached people in the world who have never heard of the Gospel or even the name “Jesus.” As a believer, I agree with the organization's mission. Therefore, I felt a sense of belonging and calling for the work that I do for this organization. Like my academic advisor Donna Downs would always say, "if you feel good about what you do when you lay your head on the pillow at night, then that's how you know."

Second, the work culture of the organization matters. What is the environment of the company or the organization like? Is it a slow-paced or a fast-paced environment? Is there a work-life balance?

For me, I prefer a slow-paced work environment where I can also build intentional community with my coworkers while working. That's another reason why I loved my internship at Operation Mobilization.

I had time to connect with my coworkers and the leaders of the non-profit through coffee and lunch dates throughout my internship. Another thing that I liked about Operation Mobilization is the work-life balance that the organization values. Work didn't exceed the normal office hours and all the interns were encouraged to be involved in activities that we enjoy after work. A healthy boundary between work and life is essential for everyone.

Third, do you feel connected with the people around you? Community is important in a work setting. Growing up in a church ever since I was young, it has molded me to long for a community everywhere I go. Therefore, a community is something that I believe is essential for me to be motivated and be encouraged to work.

At my summer internship, I immediately found a community through my internship group, and I also found a community within my department as well. A sense of belonging is rooted in our being as humans. Human beings need each other to be there for one another and that is especially helpful in work settings.

Fourth, there are growth opportunities professionally and personally. I believe that I am a lifelong learner. So, a workplace where there are growth opportunities is valuable to me. Also, we all want to further our careers. Therefore, organizations and companies that value growth for their employees are great.

I've experienced so many great opportunities during my internship at Operation Mobilization. I was invited to a leadership conference where I was able to connect with other non-profits across the nation and grow my network. Also, I was given a free trial for a Mentor Match program that Operation Mobilization started this year. There, I could get my professional mentor who's willing to help me further grow in my field. These are some examples of opportunities that were given to me and they had stretched my learning and growth both professionally and personally.

Fifth, is there diversity in the organization? Is diversity valued? Diversity is vital in a work setting because it fuels creativity, progress, and excellence. Diversity fills in gaps because everyone contributes something unique to the table. It also builds an intercultural learning environment for everyone to learn from one another. I've learned so much from working alongside my intern group. There's always something new to learn and explore. One of the biggest lessons I've learned throughout my internship is the false assumptions of people who practice Islam.

One of the outreach that Operation Mobilization does is to the Muslim brothers and sisters in Atlanta, Georgia. After visiting the largest Mosque in the United States which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, I've witnessed the hospitality and love that they have for people. My assumptions were incredibly wrong and I learned my biggest lesson of not judging others before getting to know them at that moment. Diversity in a work setting will help you to not only grow as an individual but will help to engage with others who are different than you.

These are the five things that I noticed from my internship at Operation Mobilization. I will always look for these things wherever I choose to work. They are important for me as well as for me to thrive in my career. Therefore, look out for these five things in your internship to land your perfect dream job in the future. Good luck!