Are unrelated internships a hindrance or an advantage? This is what experts have to say.
Internships are often the doorway to the world of work for a fresher. Some internships align well with an individual’s degree and career goals. But “unrelated internships” do not, though it may equip them with transferable skills and valuable experience.
However, not many know how such internships impact their career or how they should leverage them to build a successful career path. This gives rise to a common dilemma — are such unrelated internships obstacles or beneficial in the career journey?
Ramesh MV, VP-Strategy & Growth and Assessments, HirePro, a recruitment automation and assessment solution provider, says unrelated internships are those not directly connected to an individual’s academic major, chosen field of study or career aspirations. Although such internships can still provide valuable skills and experiences, they may not contribute significantly to specialised practices.
Ramesh says students who are sure of their career choices can go for related internships to get direct industry exposure. This targeted experience can be highly valuable in building skills, understanding the specific demands of their chosen field, and networking with professionals who share similar interests and career goals, leading to a more seamless transition from academia to the professional world.