Exposure and experience
Exposure and experience are directly related to each other. A new employee does have the ‘experience’ of working, but he or she can get exposure to a professional environment through an internship. Sneha had applied for an executive post in a reputed MNC. She was confident as she had an MBA degree from the right institution. But she finds out someone else had landed the job. Upon query, HR remarked that she did not have the exposure to any internship or projects.
Is it that important?
If it comes from a sports perspective, you have to play regional cricket before becoming a potential player for the national team. Just consider the internship as the local cricket and being selected for the national team as your job. The difference between Neha and the chosen candidate is the level of exposure. The selected candidate had already done two internships and had hands-on knowledge of how things worked in a company.
What to do?
There is always a first time, even as an employee. But if you’re clueless, the company would not like to invest time in you. Once you are done with your degree course, try for an interview or at least find a job with lesser-known companies. None of the recommendations will fill your pocket, but it will provide you the much-needed exposure. If you are a fresher, never make the mistake of ignoring a job offer if the company is small or paycheque is lean. Famous MNCs are known for their excellent work environment and compensation, but will only invest in people who have the proper preparation.
Preparing for the pack
Exposure in the professional field is like preparing yourself for the next stage of life. Your life as a student ends, and now whatever you do as a job, you’re getting paid instead of getting numbers. You need to learn to be professional, get accustomed to working routine, handle complicated situations, and learn to share with colleagues. These all the essential parts of work-life, if not all.
End Words
If you want to be hired or get promoted to show them you’re ready with the necessary exposure. Internship or small enterprise jobs will prepare you mentally for the professional environment. It will transform the pitch and confidence when you appear for better opportunities.