3 internships to be mandatory for engineering students: Javadekar (Special Blog)

In a move aimed at improving their employability prospects, engineering students across the country will have to undergo at least three mandatory internships during their course from this academic year. It will be the responsibility of colleges to ensure internship for students.

In 2015-16, 56% students graduating from engineering colleges remained unemployed.
Not only this, their teachers too will have to undergo mandatory refresher course annually, failing which the approval to their institute can be denied. So far, the system of summer internships was only being followed by reputed engineering colleges.

“Every student in technical institute should undergo three internships each spanning four to eight weeks before completion of his/her under-graduation course. The responsibility will be on the institute to help students find a suitable industry for the internship,” HRD minister Prakash Javadekar told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Internship plan for students ?

 HRD minister Prakash Javadekar’s recent announcement in the Lok Sabha that it is now mandatory for engineering students to do at least three internships during college has left many engineering students worried about which internship to do and, more importantly, when. Well, the good news is that it’s not so difficult and here are some tips on how you should go about it:

1: An internship to acquire soft skills: In the first year of college, you’ll have limited technical skills, but this is the best time to acquire soft skills which help you communicate and are imperative for your success. So, without any qualms, choose an internship which helps you hone your soft skills.

2: An internship in fields like management, content writing, or sales: This will improve your communication skills and at the same time, you will learn to work in a team and get an insight into the corporate world. An NGO internship, on the other hand, will help you discover yourself.

3: An internship to learn the practical applications: In second and third year, with improved communication skills and a better understanding of your field, go for an internship where you can get your hands dirty. For instance, if you are interested in programming, then intern with a startup and work on live projects in C/C++, Java, PHP, or web designing. Also, start networking with professionals in your field of interest and be in touch with the team you worked with in the past as they could help you land your third internship. By the end of your second internship, you will get clarity on whether you want to make a career in your field or head towards a new field of your interest.

4:An internship which can lead to your first job: The experience from your first two internships will help you build a great resume and prepare you for the multiple interview rounds. So, after third year, start applying to internships with the brands you want to work with. Once you get an internship, make sure you focus on applying your knowledge and gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies and tools. Your third internship will help you land your first job as you might probably get a pre-placement offer ( PPO) even before you graduate!



The author is an IIT Madras alumnus (civil engineering, batch 2001-2006) founder and CEO of Internshala (internshala.com), a startup that helps students gain meaningful internship experience.