Study Abroad: How do international internships play an important role in building students’ careers

In the past 10 years, the Indian education system has seen a fundamental change focusing on skill and competence development instead of exposure to theoretical concepts in higher education. This approach has been there for a long time for technical education (engineering, architecture, medicine etc.) but a large number of non-technical higher education courses were too theoretical and did not build skill and competence among students, resulting in disappointment among employers and leaving students in despair. Another crucial aspect these courses missed was of internship, an experience of working in a prospective employer organization to taste the real commercial world before hitting the job market.

Travel, voyages, and apprenticeships (internships) have played an important role in career building for time immemorial. Young disciples would travel with their Guru, to far-off places to gather new experiences and knowledge. Artists, dancers, musicians, and craftsmen, start training their children or students through practical work very early, even then students take years to master their respective craft. Although modern school education does not open many avenues for practical learning, higher education courses must have internship components in their curriculum. An international internship further enhances practical world learning through global exposure.

In the current globalized world, one cannot wish away necessity of the transnational dealings either as employers vendors service providers or clients. International internships prepare the student for the global business environment and enhance their personality in several ways.

1. Global Perspective: Working in a different country exposes students to varied work cultures, methodologies, and perspectives. This broadens their worldview and makes them more adaptable to various situations, a trait that is indispensable in today's diverse workplaces.

2. Cultural Adaptability: International internships necessitate immersion in a new culture, develop sensitivities towards local customs and traditions and develop interpersonal skills.

3. Competency Development: International internships are often very focused and demand core competency. Performance in unknown markets exposes students to newer challenges and invokes problem-solving skills both in their professional and personal lives. An international internship also gives opportunities to learn the different tools, technologies, or methodologies of a particular business that are not prevalent in their home country.

4. Standing Out in the Job Market: In a competitive job market, having international experience can set candidates apart. Having experience in varied work environments indicates that the candidate is versatile and can function effectively in different settings and teams. Hence, employers value the maturity, independence, and initiative that often come from navigating work in a foreign setting.

5. Networking Opportunities: Interning abroad introduces students to professionals from different backgrounds, industries, and positions. This can expand one's professional circle beyond their home country which opens doors for MNC jobs.

6. Personal Growth: Beyond career benefits, international travel, living and working abroad is itself a valuable experience and makes the students mature in their dealings.

International internships are not just a chance for students to work abroad; they are transformative experiences that mould a student's professional and personal outlook. International internship makes sure that students will stand out in the eyes of employers due to exposure to advanced business practices, technologies, and research. Besides it also makes students culturally sensitive and open to newer experiences. If students intern in developed nations, then they get ahead with advanced knowledge and its applications, especially in the construction and real estate sector where adoption of new technologies has been slow.

About The Author

Shiv Prasad Singh MRICS, Associate Professor and Associate Director Program (MBA REUI & PGDFMRICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, Noida. RICS School of Built Environment at Amity University, Noida has conducted over ten international internship and student exchange programs with academic and non-academic organizations in the USA, UK, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.