At this point in your college journey, you’ve spent a few years studying your major, yet you may still find yourself uncertain about what a career in that field truly entails. What if you could “test drive” that career before fully committing? Internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into your potential future career. But beyond building your resume, how can you thoughtfully reflect on your internship experience to determine whether that field is truly the right fit?

During the span of an internship, you are able to experience the day-to-day reality of the job. Internships offer a hands-on look at the daily tasks, pace, and responsibilities of a role, helping you decide if the work genuinely interests you beyond what a job description can tell you. Take some time to ask yourself if the work you did challenged and excited you or did you feel like the work you were doing was draining and stressful.

An internship also gives you the opportunity to experience the workplace environment and culture of a company firsthand. Ask yourself: is this somewhere you could see yourself working long-term if offered a full-time position? Every company whether a small business or a large corporation has a unique culture and way of operating. Internships can help you determine whether you thrive in a collaborative team setting or prefer independent work, whether you enjoy fast-paced tasks or structured routines, and whether remote or in-person environments suit you best.

Lastly, take time to evaluate whether there are opportunities for growth within the company and the field. A simple way to do this is by speaking with full-time employees during your internship. Ask them about their career paths, how they got to where they are and what their future goals look like. Their experiences can offer valuable insight and help you reflect on whether that trajectory aligns with your own goals. Consider questions like: Does this company promote from within, or will I be competing against external candidates? Are there opportunities for continued learning, skill development, or mentorship? Understanding the potential for growth will help you make a more informed decision about your long-term fit within the company and industry.

Applying to internships in fields or companies where you can envision yourself building a future career is a valuable strategy. Internships give you the opportunity to reflect on whether a particular company or field is the right fit for you before fully committing. Completing an internship allows you to truly “test drive” the role and gain real-world experience and insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, expectations, and work environment.