As the job market continues to transform across the map, internships are becoming today’s entry-level position. The financial benefits may not be glamorous, but the work experience and networking opportunities could prove extremely valuable to an individual’s future career.

Despite the hot IT market, a recent Robert Half Technology report found 80 per cent of CIOs said internships are an important consideration when hiring new graduates for IT positions. The survey is based on more than 270 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees.

"An internship simply levels the playing field for graduates as they seek entry-level IT positions," said Lara Dodo, regional vice-president of Robert Half Technology in Canada. "There is currently high demand for skilled IT employees in areas such as networking and software development - however, employers are looking for professionals who can contribute to the company right away, and internships help college graduates hit the ground running."

The survey highlighted the following tips for interns, as offered by professionals in the field:

1. Act the part. Take on the mindset of a full-time employee, rather than considering yourself “just an intern.” Identify core duties, priorities and goals with your supervisor early on to get off on a good start.
2. Be enthusiastic. Accept tasks with a positive attitude, even if they’re not ideal. Ask for feedback and demonstrate that you can take direction and receive constructive criticism when collaborating with other employees.
3. Pay attention to detail. Small actions can have a big impact on the impression you make.
4. Network. Use your time wisely to make connections with other professionals in the field.
5. Say thanks. A thank you note can go a long way. Leaving a polite paper trail when you complete your internship could better your chances for returning in a paid position.

Do you agree with the 80 per cent? If so, why do you think internships are valuable in the IT industry?

I think you (and the folks at Robert Half) are right - internships are really important for new entrants to the job market. I know I look for them when I'm considering a potential new employee - they're the answer to the old question, "everyone wants experience - but where do you get experience before you get hired for the job?"

It's also interesting to note that interns enjoy a benefit that most full-time employees do not - some degree of mentoring. Mentoring, or coaching by an established, senior employee, seems to have died out in many work environments. Most employers, though, see some degree of mentoring as part of the "quid pro quo" in hiring an intern. This is a major benefit - in a lot of ways, seeing how someone who is successful in your field manages different situations is more valuable at least as valuable as picking up some of the common skills associated with a job...