The History of Internships

As we all know, the Internet can be a great resource for student-interns.  A simple Google search can point you to websites that list job openings, give advice to aspiring professionals, or provide important information for interns entering the workforce. 

In my first post, I mentioned that I would designate some of my writing to topics related to internships as discussed in the media.  This got me thinking—how did “internships” originate?  Who was the first “intern?”  How did this concept of working to learn a specific trade come about, and why has this idea become such an important aspect of a college student's education?  As a society, we have continued to put an emphasis on the completion of internships as a stepping stone to securing a career.  In order to understand why this is, we should also understand the history of internships.

While doing research for this post, I referred to one of my favorite intern-related sites, the popular blog “The Intern Queen.”  In addition to providing a space for students to apply for internships in different fields free of charge, intern/career expert and founder of the site Lauren Berger outlines tips for making the most of your high school, college and post grad experiences.  For those interested, you should definitely check it out!  One of Berger's recent posts links interns to a Forbes article from 2009.  The article, which can be found here, outlines the "Evolution of Interns" by explaining how internships have developed from the time of apprenticeships in the 11th and 12th centuries.  If the opportunity presents itself, you should read the article and drop some of your new internship knowledge in conversation with your supervisor.  They will be super impressed.  If your lucky, you will get this reaction:

Have a great weekend!