If you’re a high school student in New Zealand, you’re probably already thinking about your future (or at least, you should be). Whether your dream job involves designing apps, working with animals, or even running your own business, getting some work experience or landing an internship is an absolute must. Not only will it look great on your CV, but it also helps you develop the future skills you’ll need to succeed!
However, going about finding your first bits of work is tricky if you don’t know where to look; That’s why we’re dedicating this blog to all the ways you can get ahead! So, are you ready to kickstart your career journey? Let’s dive into some top tips, tricks, and advice for securing that all-important internship in NZ and making the most of it!
First Things First: Internship Meaning
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to snag an internship, let’s break it down; what even is an internship? Simply put, an internship is a short-term work experience opportunity where you get to learn the ropes of a particular job or industry. Internships can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid. Essentially, they’re designed to help you gain hands-on experience, build your skills, level-up your resume and get a taste of what it’s like to work in a specific field.
Internships in NZ are super popular among high school students, especially during school holidays. Why? Because they’re a fantastic way to test the waters of a potential career path (without fully committing to it) while building important connections that could help you later on.
Why Internship Programs are Important
You might be wondering: Why should I bother with an internship or work experience? Well, there’s no shortage of good reasons to start applying but if you still need a bit of convincing, here are our top motivators:
You’ll Build Future Skills
Employers love seeing work experience on a resume because it shows you’ve already started developing key skills that can help you in a part-time or full-time role! Plus, with the job market being so competitive, it doesn’t hurt to make your resume just a little bit flashier!
You’ll Explore Your Interests
Not sure if a career in coding or marketing is right for you? That’s totally normal. After all, most of us have a least a few different interests! However, before jumping into a permanent role, try an internship to find out if a certain industry really is right for you.
You’ll Boost Your Confidence
Starting out in the workforce can feel a little scary; that’s why it’s great to ease yourself into it by starting out with an internship or work experience! Getting out of your comfort zone and working in a professional setting is a huge confidence booster.
You’ll Stand Out to Employers
Let’s face it; landing a job is competitive. Internships give you a real edge by showing that you’re proactive and serious about your future. Trust us, it’s worth it!
Which Internship is Best for You
While we’d like to believe they are, not all internships are created equal, so it’s important to find one that matches your interests and career goals. Here are some tips for choosing the right internship in NZ:
- Think About Your Interests: Love animals? Look for internships at vet clinics or animal shelters. Obsessed with tech? Explore opportunities in app development or IT. There are tonnes of different options available to suit every calling!
- Consider Which Future Skills You’ll Need: Think about what skills you want to develop, and which ones would look great on a resume you’re submitting to your dream job. The first step to doing so effectively is to start your goalsetting journey and plan from there! An example could be if you want to work in media, look for an internship that involves writing, photography, or video editing.
- Location, Location, Location: Try to find an internship that’s close to home or offers remote options; that way it’ll be much easier to manage your work-life balance.
- Check the Details: Is the internship paid or unpaid? How long does it last? Make sure you’re clear on all of the details before committing.
How Internships Help in Your Future Career
Trust us, internships aren’t just about filling up your school holidays; they’re an investment in your future career. Here’s how they can make a huge difference:
They Teach You Soft Skills
It might not seem like it but soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are just as important as technical know-how! During an internship, you’ll learn how to:
- Communicate professionally with colleagues and clients.
- Collaborate with a team to achieve goals.
- Adapt to new situations and solve problems on the go.
And much, much more.
These are the kinds of future skills employers look for, and they’ll help you stand out in any industry. Dream job here you come!
They Help You Expand Your Network
Ever heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know”? Well, it’s a popular saying for a reason! Building a professional network during an internship in NZ can open doors to exciting opportunities down the line. During an internship you’ll:
- Meet mentors who can guide you in your career.
- Connect with professionals in your field of interest.
- Get insider tips on job openings and industry trends.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show genuine interest. People love sharing their knowledge with enthusiastic learners and upskilling people who can help them out!
They Provide You With On-The-Job Training
Nothing beats real-world experience; that’s why you want to land some as soon as you can! Internships offer hands-on training that you simply can’t get in a classroom. You’ll learn how to:
- Use industry-specific tools and software.
- Manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.
- Understand workplace etiquette and expectations.
This on-the-job training is truly invaluable and will give you a head start when you’re ready to enter the workforce.
They *Could* Lead to a Permanent Position
Did you know that many companies use internships as a way to scout future talent? If you impress your supervisor and show a strong work ethic, you might just land a permanent role! Even if that doesn’t happen right away, or if you want to look for something more permanent elsewhere, you’ll have a glowing reference to add to your CV.
Tips for Landing Your Dream Internship
Now that you’re sold on the benefits of internships, let’s talk about how to actually get one. Here are some tried and tested practical tips:
- Start Early: The best internships in NZ fill up fast, so start looking well before your school holidays.
- Polish Your Resume: Highlight your skills, achievements, and any previous work experience—even if it’s just babysitting or volunteering.
- Write a Killer Cover Letter: Explain why you’re interested in the internship and what you can bring to the table.
- Network, Network, Network: Ask your teachers, family friends, or local businesses if they know of any opportunities.
- Be Persistent: If you don’t hear back right away, follow up politely. Persistence pays off!
A Quick Recap on Work Experience and Internships in NZ
Landing an internship in NZ is one of the smartest moves you can make as a high school student. Not only will it give you valuable work experience, but it’ll also help you develop the future skills you need to succeed in any career! However, it’s important to remember to choose an internship that aligns with your interests, be proactive in your search, and make the most of every single opportunity.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and take the first step toward an exciting future. Who knows; your dream job might just be one internship away! And if you want to be sure that your potential employer is right for you, head to this blog and find out how.
