Interns feel lack of ‘soft skill’ preparation

This post was written by Kristin Hillmann a recent graduate from the University of Washington and current member of the InternMatch Student Advisory Board.  The student advisory board is an independent group of seven current students and recent graduates that meets once a month to discuss key issues and challenges for students looking to transition into the professional world.  The board has unique insight into the tools and resources that students need to be successful in the internship and job search process.

A college internship is an unparalled learning experience.  While performing an internship, an intern can gain exposure to a variety of very useful “hard” skills including industry specific software, reports, projects and formatting as well as “soft” skills related to that industry and work environment.  While often not included in the internship job description, some of the “soft” skills an intern may become more knowledgeable about through their experience are: professional email protocol and usage, the art of networking, navigating office politics, deciphering expectations, taking constructive criticism/feedback, emotions in the workplace, how to ask questions, and many other aspects of interpersonal communication in an office environment. With four different and unique generations currently working together in the workplace, there are also many different work and communication styles to consider that greatly affect the selection of “soft” skills listed above.

As the InternMatch Advisory Board considered university education and what tools and classes universities could offer to better prepare students for internships and life after college, we came to a united conclusion that hindsight is 20/20. After completing an internship, as with most things in life, it is very easy to look back and analyze what you wish you had known before you started. That being said, the Advisory Board considered a variety of tools and resources that would provide students with useful skills prior to starting an internship experience.  But after examining the complex life of a student and all that it entails, we weren’t sure we ourselves would have taken that extra class or attended a Sunday seminar on a topic or skill we didn’t even necessarily know was something we would need.  But maybe these preparatory resources aren’t necessary or worthwhile? Could it be that the discomfort experienced from having no previous knowledge of, or exposure to, some of the “soft” skills encountered in an internship, and working through the process of navigating the uncomfortable situations that arise, in fact help to build an individual’s “soft” skills? Would educating students before they begin an internship remove this process and take away from the overall learning experience? Certainly more discussion is needed around this contemplative topic. Until then, to all the soon to be interns out there, don’t stress! Keep an open mind and embrace the experience. It is supposed to challenge you. The process itself is priceless.

Connect with Kristin Hillmann on twitter @khillmann!