Last week, Fortune released their list of the five best internships for real work.  This wasn’t a tech specific list, but Microsoft was named as a nominee, and Google was referenced in the article.  I’ve seen first hand how entrenched interns can get into real-world business issues … for better or worse.  At the same time, I know you can get just as good an experience not working for one of these companies.  There are lots of great opportunities out there, and often internships are what you make of them.

A few tips to keep in mind if you are evaluating an internship opportunity … even if it is for one of the “big guys” nominated for this list.

Your team matters.  Take Microsoft for instance.  The company hosts hundreds of interns each summer.  These spots are highly coveted, and only the best of the best get in.  But not all interns have the same experience.  Depending on the team you intern with (and this is the same for a full-time role), your daily responsibilities can greatly vary.  Be sure to do your homework.  Ask good questions about the work during the interview day.  Talk to the person who would be your manager to ensure you’re going to have the experience you seek.

Small companies are awesome, too.  Thinking about taking an internship with a small, relatively no-name company?  That’s fine.  Do what’s right for you.  Yeah, having that IBM Extreme Blue Intern title on your resume will open a lot of doors as you seek full-time employment, but if you can gain rich, solid experience with a smaller company, you’re in good shape. Also, often smaller companies can offer a wider breadth of opportunities and experiences than larger ones which focus your attention on a specific area.  Again, ask questions, and pick the internship that's right for you.  Future employers will care about what you did just as much as where you did it.

Remember … an internship is still all about recruiting.  I find a common misconception held by students is the belief that the internship is about helping the interns grow their skills to prepare for a great career ahead.  In reality, it’s usually about the company's recruiting the interns for full-time roles after graduation.  Plain and simple.  As the Fortune article states:

Virtually all large companies offer career-relevant work in their internships, he (Rothberg) says, because employers understand that failure to do so means "they will not be able to recruit those interns to work for them upon graduation."

And recruit they do. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that last year, 53 percent of interns joined their companies as full-time employees upon graduation.

So yeah, a company wants you to enrich your skills.  But, hey, they are investing a lot of money and time in you.  This “real work” they’re giving you is as much a summer long interview as it is on-the-job experience.  Those fun parties they throw for you are just another way to prove to you why they’re kool.  So, by all means, enjoy your internship and know that people at the company genuinely care about your career … but also keep in mind that your summer is, in essence, one big “sell trip.”  Take it with a grain of salt ... and keep on asking good questions!

And what are some good ways to score that internship you’re seeking?  Start early.  Visit the booths at your school’s next career fair.  Network with alumni from your university.  Even attending industry events such as Microsoft’s Student Day  (this one is Australia this time) are all wonderful ways to connect with the key decision makers and to learn more about the company.

Even though next summer is a year away, it’s never too early to start that search!

gretchen