Blog: Looking for an internship?

By Fabián Molina

My name is Fabian Molina. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Mass communications and Journalism at Miami Dade College. I was born in the country where there is one the best coffees in the world, Colombia. One of my dreams it’s to buy a house for my parents and to have a good job in where I can show my passion, journalism. I see journalism not only as a job but as a way of life. This field is not exclusively to report on the latest developments but it is also a tool to give a voice to those who are under the shadows. Sometimes we believe our dreams are dashed, but remember: life is not always rosy; sometimes shows its dark side. We can walk through the darkness or light up a candle and continue our journey. 

Getting an internship can be a difficult task, or at least that's what I've heard. My case was quite an exception.

In October 2012 I had the opportunity of doing an internship with one of the largest television networks in the U.S., Univision. I met wonderful people, which helped me grow my knowledge about journalism.

But before I tell you about my experience and the result of this, let’s start from the beginning.

One day I was working at a yogurt shop and two clients came to ask for their order. I kindly gave them what they wanted and after a few minutes of conversation with a journalist who worked at Univision (one of my clients) I got the ticket to a new experience ... Amazing, right?

I started working in the news section and I was in charge of uploading articles and slideshows to the website. I was also part of a project where I was given the opportunity to interview and create my own material.

But ... What is an internship?

An internship is a working method which consists in an exchange of services by experience between the company and the student. An internship can clarify the doubt about whether that’s the job you want for your life. Also, you can create contacts or you can earn college credits with this. But remember, the internship can be paid or sometimes your pay check is the experience.

Where can I find an internship opportunity?

Although I'm not the best person to recommend places to go to look for internships, since the opportunity knocked on my door, I have some tips and ideas of people who have managed to do so through these three web pages.

Experience.com - Offers numerous internships, is a tool which provides information written by and for students who share their experiences.

Indeed.com - This page offers you the opportunity to receive possible internships or job opportunities through email. You have completely free access to millions of opportunities and new experiences.

GoAbroad.com - This website is designed for those potential travelers who want to live a new experience with international organizations.

If you can get an internship, it will be the most rewarding activity where you will learn something new every day, you’ll hear expert advice and maybe end up with a job at the company!

That's what happened with me, now I'm a Multimedia Freelancer and I work with special projects for Univision.com ... oh ... and I’m just a junior in college.

My advice? GO LOOK FOR AN INTERNSHIP!! I know it sounds difficult to go to work without a pay check, but believe me, you’ll be one step higher than the others. 

© 2012 Univision Communications Inc.