What do you do if you want to gain industry exposure through internships in Training and Development (HR)?

1 Identify your goals and interests

Before you start looking for internships, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of T&D work you are interested in. Do you want to focus on designing, delivering, or evaluating training programs? Do you prefer to work with a specific industry, sector, or audience? Do you have any specific skills or knowledge that you want to develop or showcase? Having a clear direction will help you narrow down your options and tailor your applications accordingly.

2 Research potential employers and opportunities

Once you have identified your goals and interests, you can start researching potential employers and opportunities in the T&D field. You can use various sources, such as online job boards, career fairs, professional associations, alumni networks, and social media platforms. You can also reach out to your professors, mentors, or peers who have experience or connections in the T&D industry. When researching, pay attention to the requirements, expectations, and benefits of each internship, as well as the culture and values of each employer.

4 Practice your interview skills

If you are invited for an interview, you need to practice your interview skills to impress the employer and stand out from other candidates. You should prepare answers to common interview questions, such as why you want to work in T&D, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how you handle challenges and feedback. You should also research the employer and the internship, and prepare some questions to ask them. During the interview, be confident, enthusiastic, and professional, and use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

5 Follow up and keep learning

After the interview, you should follow up with the employer to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the internship. You should also ask for feedback and next steps, and keep in touch until you hear back from them. If you are offered the internship, congratulations! You have successfully gained industry exposure in T&D. If not, don't be discouraged. You can use the feedback to improve your skills and applications, and keep looking for other opportunities. Remember, internships are not the only way to gain industry exposure. You can also attend workshops, webinars, conferences, and networking events, or volunteer for projects or organizations related to T&D.