The media has been buzzing for months about internships, debating whether or not they are “legal” or “unpaid labor”. Every company’s situation presents a different case, but what remains is the shear genius of the internship concept.

For years, my peers complained about how they simply did not have the time or motivation to indulge in an internship, but later stressed over their lack of experience as graduation and job searching approached. The interview process is nerve-wracking. And internships are time consuming. But the experience and the acquired knowledge are priceless.

I heard about the internship at Talk though another internship I had last semester. I knew immediately it was something I was interested in. And I was reminded of a quote by Rabindranath Tagore that goes “You cannot cross the sea, merely by starring into the water.” So I researched the company, talked to an advisor, and applied. In essence, I dove in.

I understood that I might have been rejected, but I know from experience all a company can do is say, “No,” and that is okay; it is part of the experience. Interning is a treasure, a gold mine for opportunities. An intern is able to gain experiences they are not able to receive in a classroom, like working in a business setting that applies to your specific degree. It is a unique opportunity for individual and team development, learning time management, confidence, and problem solving.

By interning for a company you are also given the opportunity to network. I am not sure if this word gives me butterflies because I am a Communication Studies Major or because I enjoy meeting people, but Networking, makes all the difference in the corporate world. (Like I said earlier, I heard about this internship though a previous internship.) My intern mentor told me the other day, “Even if the job’s not exactly what you want, apply anyway. If it’s at your dream company at least you’ll get your foot in the door.”

Sometimes, just having that “in” or connection will make all the difference in the world. And with the economic recession, the workforce is more competitive than ever. Having that experience in your field will give you that flair to stand out and the confidence to “dive in.”