How do I Choose the Best MBA Internship?

Choosing the best MBA internship is a process in which a student seeks out the program that best fits his or her personal, academic, and professional objectives. To begin, the student should establish standards in each of these areas and determine which criteria are negotiable. The student compiles a list of all available internships using all available resources, including the school’s placement office, professors, the Internet, and personal networks. The student can narrow the field comparing the list of criteria to available programs and applying only to the programs that are the best fit for him or her.

An internship program is an important part of the learning process and a major career development tool for MBA students. Many companies use MBA internship programs to find potential employees. Students use the programs to confirm their career field choices, expand their knowledge, and prepare for the job market after graduation.

Begin making a list of personal items that are required for any MBA internship. Many students require that the program be located near the city where they will be living. Others will want to attend a program in a different city. Because not all programs offer paid internships, students must decide if they require one.

The MBA internship must also meet the student’s academic requirements. The internship may be counted as coursework in some MBA programs. In these situations, a company must be willing to accept the student and provide the school with the necessary documentation. If the MBA program requires an internship in a specific field, the student must narrow his or her options accordingly.

Professional criteria are also met a good MBA internship program. The best internship will be in the field that the student wishes to pursue as a career, giving him or her a firsthand look at the work that he or she may do for the rest of his or her life. Even if the MBA is not in the student’s desired field of work, it can expose him or her to other opportunities or confirm that the chosen career is not the best fit.

Internship information is generally available from participating companies, but students should start casting a wide net and collecting information on as many programs as possible. The list can be narrowed comparing program requirements and benefits to a list of personal, academic, and professional needs. If possible, students should speak with current or former interns at these programs to further refine their list. After that, the student should apply to programs that meet the most criteria and have the best recommendations.