June 9th, 2022
What Are Micro Internships?
At some point in your college journey, you’re probably going to want to put what you learn in the classroom to the test. Many students consider internships an important part of their college education. But those generally unpaid internships can last an entire semester. If you’re not completely sure of the path you want to take, you may want to consider a micro internship. Much like regular internships, micro internships give you the opportunity to gain real-world experience, but they don’t require a long-term commitment. Instead, they’re often project based and can be completed in a few weeks to one month—and they usually paid positions. Micro internships can complement other work experiences or stand on their own and can offer you a unique addition to your college education.
How Micro Internships Work
A micro internship allows you to work with a professional organization on a project for a few weeks, in either a part-time or full-time capacity. For example, you might pitch in at a small startup company, developing and implementing a social media marketing plan. Or you might design and code an interactive website for a local school. The project you work on will allow you to use the knowledge you’ve learned in the classroom and further develop your skills. Some of the benefits to micro internships include:
Real World Experience
Because you will be out of the classroom and into a work setting, you get real-world experience. And since micro internships are short, you might be able to do several over the course of your college career, honing a variety of skills and adding your work experience to your resume.
Micro Internships Offer Flexibility
Because they are project based, most micro internships can be completed at your own pace, provided you meet your assigned deadlines. You can work around your busy class and work schedules. Some micro internships, particularly those in computer science or technology, can even be completed remotely, so you could have additional flexibility on where you work.
Immerse Yourself in Different Work Cultures
Every workplace in every industry has their own cultures and norms. Even different departments within the same organization can have varying work cultures. Through an internship, you gain experience in one business and culture. But through micro internships, you can learn how to navigate different cultures and personalities. The ability to adapt to various work styles and guidelines is a great asset to your professional development and one you can’t learn in the classroom.
Try Out Different Career Paths
The reason internships exist is to give you a glance of what you can expect in your career. But what if you’re not sure what you want to do? The more you’re exposed to, the better you’ll be able to narrow your choices. For example, if you major in business but aren’t sure whether you want to work in marketing or human resources, you can complete micro internship projects in both areas and see which one suits you better.
Build Your Network
It’s not just what you know; it’s also who you know that can help your career. As you complete each micro internship, you build your professional network. The connections you make from each experience could prove valuable to you when it’s time to start your job search and throughout your career.
Is a Micro Internship the Right Choice for Me?
Micro internships are open to any student in any major. However, they are a better fit for some majors. Business majors, including those interested in finance, marketing, or human resources are great candidates for micro internships, so are computer science and technology majors. On the other hand, if you’re in a healthcare major, like nursing, you may want to rely on your clinicals to give you experience and professional networks.
To start your search for a micro internship, visit the website of Parker Dewey, an employment agency that specializes in micro internships. Create an account in just a few minutes, and then begin your search. When you find a prospective internship, apply for it. The company will look over your application, and if they think you’re a good fit, they will contact you with an offer.
Micro internships are a great way to gain experience, explore new career paths, and earn some money—and we have them at Limestone University. Limestone offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Professions. Click the button to learn more.
