For the most competitive careers, like media and entertainment, internships are essential. Here are some benefits:

• Gain Experience and Confidence. Studying a major is one thing; applying that knowledge to "real world" situations is entirely another. In an internship, you learn to back up your smarts with action.

• Acquire Work Experience to Put on a Resume.

• Develop Contacts. Working with professionals, you tap into a network that can offer references, advice and information about new job opportunities.

• Focus Your Career Direction. Explore what you like and don’t like.

• Turn Your Internship into a Future Job. Many companies use their internship programs for their recruitment efforts. Working with interns gives them the chance to try out motivated, ambitious students before employing them. If the intern makes the grade, the company may make a permanent job offer.