- Human Resources
- Healthcare
- Sales
- Training and Development
- Management Consulting
Internships in organizational leadership groom college students for dream jobs in management. In these influential positions, executives can empower firms to flourish and expand. Some degree programs require an internship, while others make it optional. Either way, gaining field experience as a student is highly advantageous. Such training imparts broader knowledge and skills, giving grads a competitive edge in the job market.
The sectors below are forecast to grow substantially through 2026. Here are five promising fields where interns are most welcome.
1. Human Resources
With this internship, students learn how to maximize staff productivity. The intern serves as the right hand to a human resources manager. Administrative functions may include:
- staff recruitment
- training
- career development
- compensation and benefits management
- performance evaluation
Intern responsibilities depend on a manager’s area of focus. To evaluate training needs, a student might analyze employee performance appraisals. Improving staff retention could entail working on employee incentive programs. Other possible duties are:
- interviewing job candidates
- assisting new hire orientations
- processing open enrollment for healthcare coverage
To access current openings, students can visit the websites of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Chegg Internships. Here, the Bureau of Labor Statistics profiles a human resources manager in greater detail.
2. Healthcare
The role of this internship is supporting the work of a healthcare administrator. Such an executive directs patient services at their medical facility, such as:
- a nursing home
- hospital
- outpatient clinic
- group medical practice
An administrator may oversee a specific department or entire organization, helping staff adapt to new healthcare regulations and technologies.
As there are several types of healthcare administrators, intern duties vary by the type of manager served. For example, to assist a nursing home administrator, a student might:
- process patient admissions
- track the daily census
- post nursing jobs
- maintain records of building operations
An intern assigned to a clinical manager might schedule unit staff and monitor the department budget. Another task could be updating unit manuals on facility policies and procedures. To support a health information manager, an intern may input patient data while ensuring that medical records are:
- current
- accurate
- secure
3. Sales
In a sales internship, students apply what they’ve learned in school regarding :
- analytics
- marketing
- selling strategies
- customer acquisition
The intern shadows a sales manager skilled in multiplying company revenues through the sale of products or services. This role may entail:
- hiring salespeople
- designing training programs
- establishing sales quotas
- developing new tactics for meeting goals
Boosting efficiency might involve analyzing performance data and the marketing strengths of competitors. Above all, the sales manager coaches teams in skillful selling.
An intern supports their manager by learning the four stages of sales:
- attracting clients
- sparking client interest
- closing a sale
- building a client base
To draw clients, an intern may:
- prepare sales literature
- update the company website
- identify leads
- compile call lists
Sparking interest could involve emailing potential clients and giving presentations.
4. Training and Development
Students who thrive on teaching and promoting others will enjoy an internship in training and development. Degree programs develop an understanding of business operations, by which grads can customize staff training to corporate goals. Additionally, students learn how to perform:
- needs assessments
- develop lesson plans
- conduct classes
- plan budgets.
Managers value interns skilled in:
- communication
- planning
- time management
They especially welcome students who show:
- enthusiasm
- initiative
- creativity
- eagerness to learn
Through an internship, students gain practice in:
- presentation
- teaching,
- teamwork.
5. Management Consulting
In this competitive field, internships in organizational leadership can markedly tip the scales in a student’s favor. A management consultant improves a company’s finances by looking for ways to:
- lower business costs
- build revenues
- streamline operational efficiency
Most often, consultants work on a contractual basis, although some firms retain a consultant or team of analysts on staff. Approaching issues from various angles, a consultant identifies sources of low productivity and fiscal drain.
Typically, an internship begins with a week of orientation, followed by receiving a project. Daily activities include performing research and data analysis. Interns may also give presentations. To excel in their roles, students need polished skills in:
- communication
- analysis
- problem-solving
Consultants favor students who show:
- initiative
- enthusiasm
- openness to feedback
Internships in organizational leadership are a win-win for both students and firms. Interns gain:
- practical experience
- networking opportunities
- glowing resumes
Meanwhile, companies find budding leaders with:
- fresh vision
- energy
- the aptitude to advance their business.
Related Resource: Top 10 Best Value Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degrees Online
While not all companies offer paid internships, more firms are getting on board, particularly Fortune 500 companies. Here, The Balance Careers discloses the average hourly wage for undergrad interns, along with how to find paid internships. To land a summer internship, US News and World Report suggests reaching out to firms a year ahead. Internships are a springboard to a thrilling career and bright future. Frequently, interning leads to a permanent job at the hosting company.