Approximately 80 percent of Canadian employers say that internships are a key source of new talent and potential employees.
If you’re looking to increase your chances of getting hired when you graduate, an internship is a great way to make connections, develop skills, and set yourself apart from other candidates.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of internships. You’ll also find some tips on how to land the best student internships in Canada.
What Is an Internship and Why Is It Important?
An internship is a professional work experience (sometimes paid, sometimes unpaid) that a business or organization offers (usually to students) for a limited period. Internships are used across a wide range of businesses, as well as non-profits and government agencies.
There are lots of reasons to pursue internships in Canada, especially as a student, including the following:
1. Gain Job Experience
One of the greatest benefits of participating in an Ontario internship program (or any Canadian internship program, for that matter) is the fact that you get hands-on job experience.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in a particular field or perform a specific job, an internship can help you learn the basics and start honing your skills. Then, when it’s time to start applying for full-time positions, you’ll have a leg up on the competition!
2. Learn About Different Jobs
Internships give you a chance to learn about different types of jobs, too.
Perhaps you know that you want to work in a particular industry but aren’t sure exactly what you want to do. An internship will introduce you to various positions and give you a better idea of which job is the right fit for you, your personality, and your unique skills.
3. Find a Mentor
Often, when you participate in an internship program, you will work directly under and learn from a specific individual. This allows you to build a strong relationship with that individual and look to them as a mentor.
A mentor can answer your questions about working in a particular industry or working for a specific company. They can also offer advice on which direction you should take your career or what kinds of jobs you should pursue in the future.
4. Define Your Career Goals
If you have no idea what you want to do when you graduate, an internship is an excellent choice. It will introduce you to jobs and businesses that you never knew existed, and it’ll allow you to “try on” various roles to see which one seems like a good option for your future.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start applying for internships. Use them as a stepping stone to start defining your career goals and making post-graduation plans.
Being part of an Ontario internship program or another Canadian program will create lots of opportunities for you to build your professional network.
Not only will you get to know people who work for a particular company, but you will also get to know other students who are studying the same subject as you.
Both groups of people will be invaluable as you start looking for jobs. They can recommend open positions, offer guidance on how to handle interviews, and more. They can also provide references and recommendations when you start the application process.
Internships look great on resumes. If you need to bolster your resume with some hands-on experience, an internship is an excellent way to improve this important document and make a good impression when you start sending it out to recruiters and hiring managers.
7. Build Confidence
Are you nervous about applying for jobs and entering the workforce? Do you worry that you’re not cut out for a particular role, despite your training and education?
If so, completing an internship can help you to gain the practice you need to feel more confident in yourself and your skills.
After you’ve done a specific job for a few weeks or months as an intern, you’ll have a better sense of whether or not it’s for you. You’ll also know with more certainty whether or not you’re capable of doing that job well.
8. Improve Your People Skills
Many internships provide chances for you to collaborate with others and learn from them.
If your people skills could use some fine-tuning, an internship allows you to work on them in a slightly lower-pressure way. As an intern, you will have someone guiding and advising you throughout, so you’ll know what to work on and what you’re doing well.
9. Land a Full-Time Job
Internships in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and anywhere else in Canada can lead to full-time jobs in the future.
When new positions open up, many employers choose to look at their pool of interns first to see if anyone has what it takes to fill the role and join the team. After all, they already know you, and you already know what the company’s all about, so this streamlines the hiring and onboarding process for everyone.
When Is the Best Time to Do an Internship?
There are plenty of opportunities throughout one’s education when it makes sense to do an internship. The following are some of the most popular times:
During the Summer
One of the most popular internship options for students is a summer internship. Most of the time, a summer internship lasts between 1 and 3 months and gives you a chance to learn the ropes of a specific job without having to worry about keeping up with schoolwork at the same time. Many schools also offer credit for summer internships, so you could finish your degree faster and gain some valuable work experience at the same time.
During Your Senior Year
If you’re going to do an internship while you’re in school, consider participating in one during your senior year. At this point, you’ll likely have learned a lot of the basics in the classroom and will feel more prepared to step into the workplace.
In some cases, a senior year internship can also provide credit toward your degree. It could set you up to potentially land a full-time job once you graduate, too.
After You Graduate
Most people think of internships as something that only students do. In reality, though, there are also benefits to doing an internship after graduation.
If you’re not sure what you want to do after graduation (go on to earn a master’s degree, join the workforce, etc.), an internship can provide some valuable experience and help you figure out what you want for your future.
After graduation, you’ll have more internship options to choose from, too, because your school schedule won’t be a factor. If you want an internship in Vancouver, you can search for one. If you’d rather seek out an internship in Montreal, that’s an option, too.
What Are the Steps to Getting an Internship?
If you’re interested in internships in Canada, there’s a specific set of steps you’ll want to follow to increase your chances of being selected. The following are the most important ones to include on your to-do list:
The first place to begin is to research internships online.
Don’t just type in “Internship Vancouver” or “Internships Ottawa” and hope for the best. Use a credible job and internship search tool like Grabjobs to find openings in your area that also align with your interests and education.
Once you’ve found some interesting results, make a shortlist of internships that seem like they might be a good fit for you.
Think Outside the Box
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your internship options, either.
Even if something doesn’t seem like a good fit initially, do a little digging to see what skills you’ll learn and what kind of positions are available. You never know when you might stumble into a position that turns out to be your dream job!
Most internship applications will require you to attach a copy of your resume or CV (curriculum vitae). If you don’t already have a copy prepared and ready to send out, now is the perfect time to start drafting.
Start with a general resume or CV that encapsulates your education, skills, work experience, etc. Then, make some tweaks and tailor it to each internship for which you’re applying. Recruiters and hiring managers will appreciate the extra effort.
Ask for Letters of Recommendation
You may need a letter of recommendation, especially if you’re applying for highly sought-after internships at well-known companies. A letter of recommendation, preferably from someone who has a connection to the business or organization, will help you to stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of being selected for the position.
Submit Applications
At this point, you’ll be ready to fill out and submit your applications.
It doesn’t matter if you’re applying for marketing internships in Ottawa or international student internships in Canada. Pay special attention to the application and make sure you follow all instructions as precisely as you can.
It pays (sometimes literally, if you’re applying for a paid internship) to be this careful. If you overlook certain directions or don’t attach specific documents, you might be eliminated as a candidate.
Within a few weeks (sometimes sooner) of sending out your applications, you’ll likely start hearing back from companies and organizations that want to bring you in for an interview.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about the interview process, keep these tips in mind:
- Answer each question with a specific example of anecdote (no “yes” or “no” answers)
- Be enthusiastic and optimistic (don’t act too cool)
- Don’t be afraid to pause and reflect before answering a question (it’s okay to take your time)
Most importantly, remember to be yourself. If you land an internship by pretending to be someone you’re not, you’ll have to keep up that facade for the entire duration. That sounds exhausting, doesn’t it?
Follow Up
After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you email. Send it within 24 hours of your interviewer, and be sure to thank your interviewer for their time. Mention something specific that you enjoyed about the interview process, then end with a call-to-action inviting them to get in touch.
Following up in this way can separate you from other candidates and make you more memorable. It also helps the interviewers to remember you in a more favourable light.
How to Maximise Your Internship
After you’ve landed an internship, your next job is to get as much knowledge and experience out of it as you can. The following tips will help you make a great impression and maximize the opportunity:
Set Goals
Before you start your internship, set aside some time to reflect on what you want to gain from this experience.
What kinds of goals do you want to accomplish? Do you want to learn a specific skill or connect with a professional in your desired field?
If you go in with clear goals, it’ll be easier to stay focused and motivated, even when day-to-day tasks start to wear you out.
Take Initiative
When you’re at your internship, be present and take initiative whenever the chance presents itself.
If you have a chance to jump in and assist or take on an exciting growth opportunity, do it. This is how you distinguish yourself from other interns and set yourself up to achieve the goals you set at the beginning of this journey.
Own and Correct Your Mistakes
You’re an intern, which means you’re there to learn new skills and do new things. No one expects you to understand all the ins and outs of a particular job or to get everything right on the first try.
What they will expect, though, is that you own up when you make a mistake and do your best to correct it. This includes asking for help if you don’t know how to fix the issue on your own.
Connect with Your Supervisor
Make an effort to connect and touch base with your supervisor regularly. If you’re interested in finding a mentor, you need to make it clear that you want to learn from someone (and that you are willing to do what they tell you).
Don’t shy away from reviews or brainstorming sessions. Use them as a chance to get to know your supervisor better and find out what you can do differently.
Be a Collaborator
Yes, you want to find ways to stand out and go the extra mile as an intern. At the same time, though, you also need to show that you can be a collaborator and a good team player.
If you don’t work well with others, most companies and organizations won’t want to hire you.
Keep a Journal
Consider keeping a journal throughout your internship.
Spend some time at the end of each day reflecting on what went well, what you want to improve, and how you’re liking the position overall. Then, at the end of the internship, you can look back and decide if this is a path you want to continue pursuing.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Nobody wants to hire or work with an intern who’s always complaining. Internships can often be challenging, and they may require a lot of “grunt work.”
Do your best to have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm when taking on less-than-pleasant tasks, especially if you’re hoping to land a full-time position when your internship is over.
Think Critically About the Future
As an intern, it’s important for you to think critically about your position and how it will impact your future. Remember that this is one step on the path you’ll be following for the next several years (perhaps even decades).
Keeping this information in mind will help you stay motivated and encourage you to continue working hard, even when it’s challenging.
Stay in Touch
When your internship is over, be sure to stay in touch with the people you met during your time at the company or organization. This includes your supervisor or mentor, of course, as well as other interns and employees. You never know who might write you a letter of recommendation or let you know about a job opening down the road.
Final Thoughts on Landing Internships in Canada
Now that you know more about the benefits of student internships in Canada, as well as how you can land the best internship and maximize the opportunity, are you ready to start applying?
Follow the steps outlined above and you’ll have no trouble landing internships in Toronto, an internship in Montreal, international student internships in Canada, or anything in between.
If you need more help with resume writing, interview prep, or other aspects of the application process, be sure to check out Grabjobs’ resource library today. We have lots of great tools to help you learn the ropes and prepare for anything that comes your way.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
