An internship workshop to help SMU students take the first step to get into their chosen career fields was held at Hughes-Triggs Student Center Tuesday.

Elke Hardt Arnold, a career counselor, explained what the internships are and how they can prepare students.

“Internship is the best way to know what you want to do and know about yourself,” Arnold said.

She defined “internship” as any kind of career-related experience. There are some paid internships, but in the case of non-paid ones, students can often receive course credit.

“You have to contact your department adviser to get a credit,” she said. “Some students decide to get internships during the summer as full-time while others want to get internships during the semester as part-time.”

Arnold gave students tips on what to do before and during an internship.

When a student is searching for an internship, Arnold says it’s a good idea to refine career and work preferences.

“Offer your services, not just sitting and answering the phone calls,” she said.

While working at an internship, students can meet people who can become mentors or those who can offer potential full-time job contacts.

“During the internship, talk to people,” Arnold said. “You can learn about the industry, profession, competitors and so on. You will know a lot changes in the industry and you will be able to adapt to those changes, learning the required skills.”

At an internship, students can also develop marketable skills necessary for future employment.

“Skills you developed in classes such as critical thinking and communication skills, skills you developed outside the class such as organization activities are general qualifications most of the employers want no matter what industry they are in,” Arnold said.

She also provided information about where students can start their internship search. She said that MustangTrak is the easiest way to get started.

“Go to career orientation and meet with counselors to register in MustangTrak,” she said.