The word “internship” often brings to mind visions of eager 20-year-olds delivering coffee to their mentors or filing papers in a storage room. But in today’s world, an internship is much more than a part-time resume booster for young adults.

If you’ve already been working in the “real world” but are pursuing an advanced degree on a different career path, internships can be a valuable learning experience—regardless of age. However, you might have reservations and concerns. Here are the top three myths about adult internships—demystified.

 

Myth #1: I’m Too Old for an Internship.

You’re never too old! Don’t be intimidated by internship postings that seem geared toward traditional undergraduate students. Employers might expect to see young faces at the interview table, but they’re generally willing to hire older adults as well. You may actually have more to offer than a younger candidate if you’ve held professional jobs in the past or achieved a higher level of education.

And don’t feel pressured to disclose your age during the application process. You don’t need to include the year you earned your bachelor’s or master’s degree on your resume. Sure, your age may be apparent in a face-to-face interview, but there’s no need to highlight it in your initial correspondence.

 

Myth #2: I Work Full Time. I Can’t Afford to Take an Internship.

Since most internships are either unpaid or offer low monetary compensation, the primary barrier to pursuing an adult internship is the financial burden it can cause. But there are ways to make it work if you explore all of your options. Consider the following questions:

  • Will your supervisor allow you to cut back hours at work while you pursue an internship?
  • Are there internship or volunteer opportunities at your current organization that you could transition into, or complete on a part-time basis?
  • Could a spouse or other family member provide financial support while you take time to explore your career interests?
  • Have you investigated grants, scholarships, or fellowships that may be available?
  • Could you volunteer part-time at a nonprofit to help it meet its business objectives?

You may find that a sacrifice of time and income is necessary to take a position you believe will pay off in the end. Internships can last anywhere from three weeks to a year, so decide what you can afford to give up and find one that fits your schedule and budget.

 

Myth #3: Interns Don’t Get to Do Any Real Work.

As an adult looking to gain experience and enhance your skill set, an internship where all you do is shuffle papers will not do. You should expect a small amount of tedious work, but it shouldn’t exceed 25% of your job. To ensure you get the real-world experience you require:

  • During your search, look for positions that don’t involve a lot of menial tasks. They are out there if you look for them.
  • Once hired, take time to learn about other areas of the company. If you think you may be interested in a different department, contact someone there and request an informational interview.
  • If you’re not satisfied with your experience, ask for additional assignments or offer to help with projects that interest you.

 

Ready to explore internship opportunities? Here are a few good places to start.

  • Networking. As with any job search, the best way to secure a position is to network with people you know—including fellow students, friends, relatives, neighbors, and former colleagues.
  • Informational Interviews. To learn about specific organizations or industries, conduct informational interviews and ask about opportunities to intern or volunteer.
  • Professional Associations. You not only learn more about your field, but also expand your network and informational interview pool.
  • Corporate Websites or HR Departments. Feel free to contact a company directly or search the careers section of their website to explore internship opportunities.
  • Internship and Career Websites. There are many internship-specific websites, and often companies post internship opportunities on regular career websites. A few to help you get started: Monster College, Internweb.com, USAJOBS and CareerBuilder.

 

The Capella Career Center’s mission is to empower students and alumni to proactively manage their careers and make meaningful, and effective, career decisions.