The Importance of Internships and Practical Experiences for Career Guidance
School guidance is structured by the institution following a specific pathway and with the objective of integration, and as such, it is generally perceived as a linear academic journey focused on accumulating theoretical knowledge in general courses, with some practical experience in the case of work-study programs. However, in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving world, the single 9th-grade internship is not enough, as practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping young people. They not only help consolidate acquired knowledge but also allow students to discover other interests and aptitudes. Personal projects, in particular, can offer valuable immersion into a specific field, preparing students for their future careers in a concrete and engaging way. Let me present some practical examples.
Developing Real Skills Through Personal Projects
One of the major advantages of personal projects is their ability to help students develop tangible skills that are directly applicable in the professional world, along with real experience. Take the example of a journalism student. Creating and managing a personal blog where they regularly write articles allows them not only to refine their writing skills but also to learn how to manage an editorial calendar, understand audience dynamics, and explore SEO techniques to improve the visibility of their articles. This type of project goes far beyond simple academic assignments: it places the student in a situation where they must juggle the realities of the profession, offering valuable preparation for a future career.
Testing One's Interest in a Specific Field
Practical experiences, such as internships, are also essential for allowing young people to test their interest in a specific field before fully committing to a career while immersing themselves in a professional environment. For example, a web development student might undertake building a website for a school or personal project. This process will lead them to explore different technologies, solve concrete problems, and work on a project from start to finish. By facing these challenges, the student can assess their interest in web development and determine if it is truly the field they want to pursue. This experimentation is crucial for making an informed career choice, thus avoiding potential disappointments during training or once in the job market.
Valuing Practical Experiences in the Job Market
Recruiters look for candidates who can demonstrate not only their knowledge but also their skills and, importantly, their personal investment. Personal projects offer a golden opportunity for students to build a portfolio of concrete achievements and, more importantly, to demonstrate their passion and motivation beyond words. Take the example of a business student who decides to launch a small e-commerce project. By managing this project from A to Z, they acquire skills in inventory management, digital marketing, customer service, and sales analysis. By the end of their studies, they will not only have a diploma but also a completed project that showcases their practical skills. This will give them a significant advantage in job interviews, showing that they can turn theory into concrete actions.
Building Self-Confidence and Autonomy
Investing personal time in this way is also a powerful means of building self-confidence and autonomy in students. For a future nanny or childcare worker, for example, working as a babysitter during their studies offers direct immersion into the world of early childhood. This experience allows them to develop skills in managing children, communicating with parents, and solving everyday problems. Every day on the job is a learning opportunity that strengthens their confidence in their ability to handle various situations and take the initiative. This confidence will be a major asset in their future career, where autonomy is a key skill. More importantly, they will already have operational experience, which will be a plus in securing their first job compared to other applicants.
Facilitating Career Guidance and Study Choices
Finally, incorporating internships and personal projects into the academic journey helps students better guide their study choices. Instead of relying solely on preconceived ideas or advice that is sometimes disconnected from reality, students can base their decisions on concrete experiences. This is the most relevant way to "test" their aspirations in advance. A student passionate about working with children who has already worked as a babysitter will have a clear understanding of what the profession of a childcare worker entails and can therefore choose their career path with greater certainty.
I often work with students who are seeking a career path just three months before their university applications are due, and despite this very short timeframe, I always suggest they test what they think they like. Whether it's spending a full week writing articles or developing a website, you quickly realize the nature of your motivation or desires.
