Preparing for University: The Role of Internships During Holiday

During this school holiday break, we would like to shift our focus from academic examinations to a critical pillar of student development: career exploration through internships. Internships and structured experiential holiday programmes are among the most powerful tools available to a student. They are not just something to add to a personal statement.

 

Done well, they change how you think about your future, sharpen the subjects you study, and,  in a competitive global university landscape, they genuinely set you apart. “Universities are not just looking for students who perform well in examinations. They are looking for students who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and real engagement with the world beyond the classroom.” Eniola Folawewo– Head of University Placement 

 

At Bridge House College, we believe that what happens outside the classroom is as important as what happens inside it. The students who go on to build extraordinary careers are rarely those who simply studied hard; they are those who combined academic rigour with genuine curiosity, initiative, and early engagement with the professional world. For students aspiring to pursue undergraduate university education, academic excellence is just one part of the equation. Universities today are looking for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate initiative, maturity, and a clear understanding of their chosen field. An internship is the most effective way to gain this competitive edge.

 

Why is an internship crucial at this stage?

1. Strengthens University Applications: Admissions officers receive thousands of applications with excellent grades. Practical work experience makes a student stand out. It shows that they have the drive to seek opportunities beyond the classroom and have a genuine interest in their intended field of study.

 

2. Clarifies Career Paths: There is no better way to confirm (or reconsider) a career choice than by experiencing it firsthand. A short internship can help a student decide which engineering discipline to pursue, or whether a career in medicine or finance is truly their passion, saving valuable time and tuition money down the line.

 

3. Builds Essential Soft Skills: The classroom teaches theory; the workplace teaches professionalism. Communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving—skills that universities and employers value immensely—are best learned in a real-world environment.

 

4. Develops a Professional Network: Mentors and supervisors from an internship can often become valuable references for university recommendation letters later on.  

 

How to Approach This Holiday:

We encourage parents to have a conversation with their children about their interests. The goal is not necessarily to find a paid position at a large corporation, but to secure a learning opportunity. This could be:

• Shadowing a professional (doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer) for a week.
• Volunteering at a local organization related to their interest.
• Assisting at a family business with a structured learning objective.
• A formal internship program, even if part-time.

 

BHC GUIDANCE Any internship is only as valuable as the attitude you bring to it. A week or two in a small local firm, approached with genuine curiosity and professionalism, will teach you more and serve your application better than a prestigious placement approached with indifference.

  Students, we challenge you to take ownership of your future. Start by identifying 5-10 organizations or professionals you admire. Prepare a simple resume highlighting your skills and academic achievements, and draft a polite email or letter requesting a shadowing or internship opportunity. An internship during the holiday is one of the most accessible, most impactful, and most underutilised tools available to a student.

 

Let us view this holiday not just as a break, but as a strategic opportunity to build the foundation for a successful university journey and career. Please feel free to reach out if you would like guidance on structuring a resume or approaching potential mentors.

📞 Contact our Admissions team: +234 802 842 7208 | +234 818 755 3400

📧 admission@bridgehousecollege.com

 

AUTHOR

Mr. Eniola Folawewo

Head of Placement and Counselling