Moyi weba brother in arms! Betuabu sister in arms! May the peace of the LORD never leave you. May his Word be your bread and your light. Become a reservoir of the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5, NKJV)
Choosing the right internship is not a decision to be taken lightly. An internship is a period during which the student or pupil is welcomed in a professional environment to acquire skills and implement the knowledge acquired during his/her studies in order to obtain a diploma or a certification and to promote his/her professional integration. The internship can be carried out in the civil service, an embassy, a farm, a training institution, an association, an NGO, a company, etc. In short, anywhere where there is a professional activity. In addition to acquiring experience and skills, the purpose of the internship is also to discover the world of work, a profession, or a function. The internship allows the trainee to confirm or deny his or her professional project. It is also an opportunity to build a professional network. For many establishments, the internship is a pre-recruitment or pre-selection of potential future employees. Internships have many advantages for both students and institutions.
Below are my tips for choosing between multiple internship offers. I will write an article on how to choose between several job offers later.
A. Trust in the LORD: listen to the inner testimony
" And the base things of the world and the things which are despised GOD has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Corinthians 1:28-29, NKJV)
GOD knows everything that is, was, will be, could be and could have been. He is the master of times and circumstances. His blessing enriches and causes no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). He has plans for peace and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11). GOD wants you to flourish, be healthy and prosper in every way (3 John 1:2). Ask him to guide you and give you the inner witness. Ask him to draw your attention to his will. How did the interviews go? Which manager did you feel more comfortable with? Which of these companies did you consider more welcoming?
B. Allow yourself time: ask for a response time of 3 to 5 days.
Haste is a bad advisor. Three days is more than enough. After five days, the recruiter has the right to question your motivation and potentially propose the offer to another candidate. If you have followed my advice on preparing for job interviews (see previous articles), and how to transform your period of unemployment, you have not waited for the recruiters' response to ask yourself if you really want to join this institution. You have understood why you need to do an internship and, most importantly, you know the difference between what is important and what is optional.
C. List the criteria: what you need vs. what you want
" For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it. " (Luke 14:28, NKJV)
There are different types of internships (discovery, insertion, specialization, end of studies, etc.). The expectations, objectives and requirements are not the same. The tasks accomplished during your specialization or graduation internship will be very important on your resume as a young graduate. Does your school have any special requirements? Any recommendations? Which assignments are closest to your career plan? What type of company would you like to work for tomorrow? Is it necessary to do all your internships in companies in the same business sector? Is it consistent with your curriculum and your aspirations?
What do you really need (Missions, minimum duration, period, tools, language of communication, remuneration)?
What do you want (tasks, tools, geographical location, duration, sector of activity, remuneration, recommendation, possibility of hiring, reputation of the company, company restaurant, comfort of the offices, teleworking)?
What can you afford (moving, rent, agency fees, travel, etc.)?
In which area do you lack experience? What do you need to improve on?
In many countries, internships are unpaid. Urban transportation is not the same from one city to another. Yes, the company's reputation can make a difference. Yes, not everyone graduates from Harvard University. And yes, the unemployment rate of young graduates in Africa is not comparable to that of young graduates in Europe. But the reputation of a company does not guarantee the content of the internship. Give preference to long-term internships. Unless specifically recommended by GOD, if your choice is not coherent with your curriculum and your aspirations, you could have difficulties finding a job.
Keep in mind the objective of the internship: to acquire skills, to apply what you have learned, and to refine your life skills. Be at peace, and go without regrets where GOD leads you.
** Betuabu = Good morning, welcome in Tshiluba/Luba-Kasai (Congo-Kinshasa)
** Moyi weba = Good morning, may your heart be in good health in Tshiluba/Luba-Kasa (Congo-Kinshasa)