markewicken in Job Search

Internship or not to internship…that is the question.

When looking for that first job after graduation, one of the biggest questions first time job-seekers ask is if they should look for and accept an unpaid internship in the field of study they wish to pursue. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer since each situation will have its pluses and minuses. There are a few rules to follow to help make the decision, get the most out of the internship and the most experience for your time spent.

1. Your primary objective is to get a job in the field of study you have chosen to follow. If the company you are considering interning with has a history of hiring interns (and all you have to do is ask), then that would be a good sign.

2. If the company has an internship program or job description with a definite timeframe and responsibilities, then that would be a good sign.

3. If the company offers you some form of compensation, travel expenses, public transit, lunch per diem, letter of recommendation upon completion, bonus incentive…(anything), that would be a good sign.

4. If the internship will give you a better understanding of your field of study, contacts and networking opportunities, that would be a good sign.

5. None of the above? That would be a BAD sign.

Ask questions and learn the signs…after all, your time must be spent moving your career forward not working for nothing. Choose carefully.

Next Read: Your resumé is not your past...it is your future. »

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markewicken: Mark Wicken is a marketing professional with over 30 years of advertising, communications and strategic planning experience within the retail and packaged goods industries. He has been a senior member of agency management teams with both account and brand management responsibilities. His strengths have always been on innovative thinking, solid organization and strong interpersonal skills. Starting in the advertising agency industry, Mark held senior account management positions at several multinational agencies including Leo Burnett, Foster, Caledon, Vickers & Benson and Saffer Advertising, and has been responsible for the management of accounts like IBM, McDonald’s, Esso and General Motors. Mark moved from his agency roles to the Client side and held the position of Divisional Vice President of Marketing for Domino’s Pizza International and Director of Marketing for KFC, Hardee’s and Sbarro restaurants in the Middle East. In 2002 he established The Mark Wicken Group, a business specializing in executive search, training and consulting within the marketing, advertising and communications industries. In addition to executive search, Mark has devoted much of his lifetime to teaching, education and youth development. He is President of MusicFest Canada ‘The Largest Annual Music Festival in North America’ and has been an instructor at the International Academy of Design and The Toronto Film School since 1998. Mark graduated from The University of Toronto, took post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, and is married with two sons.