On Internships

Greetings again. I hope all is going well.

Earlier this month, during a trip to the Boston area, I visited the television station WGBH. I did so because a graduate student of mine was doing an internship there, at the science television program NOVA.

My student gave me a tour of the television station. I especially enjoyed seeing NOVA’s headquarters and talking with someone editing an upcoming episode of NOVA.

My student liked her internship a lot. As an intern, she obtained an inside look at one of her favorite aspects of science communication. She used knowledge and skills from her classes, and she learned new things.

The internship also helped my student define her career goals. And it gave her contacts that might aid in finding a job. In return, my student’s work as an intern helped her supervisor.

Internships can be valuable for both the intern and the host. Of course, internships have long existed in medicine. Other fields in which internships seem common include business, engineering, and communication.

If you’re a student wanting practical experience, consider seeking an internship. Perhaps also consider an internship if you’re an early- or mid-career professional wanting to gain new knowledge and skills.

Likewise, if you work in a field for which internships are well suited, consider hosting an intern (if you’re not already doing so). Hosting an intern can be a valuable service. And the energy and fresh ideas of interns can benefit one’s work.

Wishing you a good week— Barbara