What is an internship, how is it compensated, and what else should you know about it?

Often, having work experience becomes a key and even critical factor when searching for your first job. Typically, right after graduating from university, a student lacks relevant experience, at most having only various part-time jobs.

What is an internship? As explained by the financial and economic magazine Forbes, an internship is a short-term entry-level position that helps gain professional skills and knowledge. Having an internship on your resume can help you stand out in the job market, and some companies may even offer interns permanent positions after they complete their studies.

An internship is a great opportunity to gain initial work experience. Interns usually work alongside a specific team within the company, learning from experienced professionals and trying out different aspects of the profession. Interns do not manage their own projects but typically perform small tasks under the guidance of a mentor—an experienced employee or manager.

Interns are not exposed to all the nuances of the profession, and it is unlikely that a young specialist will be entrusted with complex tasks, but they can see the overall picture of the work process. It is important not only to independently complete tasks assigned by the mentor. Observing how experienced professionals work—how they interact with each other, the order in which they complete tasks, and what tools they use—can be even more beneficial.

According to the job search website Muse, an internship is a very important stage for every young professional. As an intern, they have the chance to work in the industry and gain a good understanding of the position.

Another less obvious but significant advantage of an internship is the opportunity to understand what you do not want to do. Internships allow you to try out several specialties without committing to any of them. This way, you can find a job that you enjoy. If not, you will know exactly what you do not want to pursue.

As internships become increasingly common, employers expect to see them on resumes. Candidates with work experience are much more competitive than those who only hold a diploma.

An important aspect of every internship is the opportunity for active networking. The earlier a young professional establishes connections with industry professionals, the easier it will be for them in the future.

As highlighted by Forbes, the connections that an intern makes during their internship can be significant for their long-term career. During the internship, one can reach out to mentors and colleagues for advice on their career path, recommendations, and even job opportunities, utilizing their professional networks.

When applying for a full-time position, seek advice from your network. Someone may know a hiring manager at another organization or write a recommendation letter.

How long does an internship last? Internships are usually short-term. On average, they last from a couple of weeks to several months. More extended collaborations can take up to a year, especially if daily attendance at the workplace is not required.

Sometimes, getting an internship can be as challenging as landing your first job. At the same time, a company is more likely to be interested in a young worker who can be assigned simple tasks. Forbes provides several tips on how to find the right internship:

Be polite. After meeting with a potential employer, send them an email or a note thanking them for their time. This can leave a positive impression.

Internships are often unpaid. They are conducted informally and do not imply full-time work. An intern comes to the workplace for a short time and goes home after completing a few tasks.

If you are doing an internship in your senior years at university or volunteering, do not expect any payment. However, a responsible business may offer compensation for travel or meals.

How is an internship compensated? There is no exact definition of an internship in the labor legislation of Kazakhstan. However, companies often equate internships with probation periods. According to Article 36 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a probation period implies the conclusion of an employment contract. Accordingly, it must be paid at least at the minimum wage. The maximum legal duration of a probation period is 3 months, and for managers, it is six months.

An internship can help you gain your first work experience. It will favorably distinguish you from competitors who only have education when searching for your first job. In certain cases, internships may even be compensated.