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The Power of Experience: Why Online Students Should Pursue Internships

Internships are an important part of your college experience, whether you are taking courses online or on campus. With industries such as technology, healthcare, film production, and fintech booming in Georgia, internships aren’t difficult to find. Even better, many provide for remote or hybrid opportunities. 

For those not already working in their fields, internships allow students to build their networks, gain experience, and can often lead to full-time jobs. 

1. Gaining Hands-On Experience

Once you’ve reached your junior or senior year, you should have some idea about your career direction. You’ve probably gotten some solid classroom learning under your belt and have a basic understanding of your field. Whether you're a business major interning at a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta or a healthcare administration student working for a local government agency, internships allow you to develop real-world skills.

2. Expanding Your Network

There’s nowhere better to expand your professional network than by actually working with industry professionals on a day-to-day basis. Networking is crucial for career success, and internships give students direct access to industry professionals. Many companies in Georgia, such as Home Depot and Coca-Cola, provide interns with access to senior leaders or mentors.  These connections will be invaluable when you’re seeking permanent employment. 

3. Strengthen Your Resume

Today’s job market is more competitive than it was even just a few years ago. Hands-on experience can help you stand out  and give you an edge. In fields such as film production, logistics, and marketing, even a little real-world experience is a game changer.  And having an internship on your resume shows hiring managers that you have both skills and dedication. 

4. Try Before You Buy

If you’re uncertain about your career path, an internship can help you explore industries and opportunities. With most internships lasting just one semester, a summer, or several weeks, it’s low risk for you. In your internship, you might discover that you are better fitted for a non-profit environment than a corporation. A criminal justice major may discover that he or she is more interested in external affairs than forensics. Or an IT major may uncover a new passion for working directly with customers than behind the scenes. 

5. Potential for Full-Time Job Offers

In Georgia, both small and large organizations use internships as a pipeline for full-time talent. Many students who perform well receive job offers upon graduation. In a competitive job market, this may be one of the biggest reasons to pursue an internship. 

Finding Internships in Georgia

  • University Career Centers – All institutions in the University System of Georgia have career services that can help students find internships. As an online student, you can meet with them on campus or virtually.

  • Online Job Boards – Websites like Handshake (login through your institution), Indeed, and LinkedIn list internships. You may also go directly to a company website. For example, Team Georgia, provides a list of internships with government agencies in Georgia.

  • Networking & Events – Don’t overlook career fairs, conferences and alumni networking events. 


USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.

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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu

Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

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