Early childhood education internships are valuable for gaining work experience in your field, and allow you to apply the information you’ve learned in your classes. You can gain new skills that you are only acquired through hands-on experiences. Whether you’ve already started applying, or you are just looking to learn more about what to expect, learn how to make the most of an ECE internship!
Benefits of an ECE Internship
Get a head start on your career with an internship in education! If you’re wondering why you should undertake an internship, here are some of the advantages:
- Learn new skills
- Gain valuable experience
- Build your resume
- Have a positive impact on children
- Make professional connections and new friends
You’ve probably worked a day job, either in high school or while attending college, but the consistent, daily experience of working in your field might be much different! You get professional experience (which is often paid) that gives you a leg up from the competition when applying for a full-time job after graduation! You can also meet mentors and earn professional references for future job opportunities.
Additionally, an internship can help direct you to areas of study in school that you might not have previously considered. If there is any doubt about whether you want to work in the field, an internship will help you navigate the uncertainty you may feel as you’re thinking about your career, and provide more confidence in the decisions about your future!
What an Internship with U-GRO is Like
While every internship is unique and can be described in many different ways, here at U-GRO, we define an internship as a short-term, on-the-job learning experience designed to allow college students to apply knowledge in a real-world setting. As an intern, you learn from industry leading team members, while providing support for day-to-day operations in our center classrooms. You are a valuable part of the team. We want you to experience the professional classroom, not as a student or just a helper, but as a team member who can make a difference in the lives of children.
When you intern with U-GRO, your role and responsibilities grow. You spend a few weeks observing in the classroom, having the opportunity to rotate through different classrooms to gain experience with different ages and teaching styles. As you begin to feel more comfortable, you will be able to move on to leading small-group activities. Once you’re confident with a small group, you will be encouraged to lead larger group activities, such as circle time and story time. The sky is really the limit, as you will be supported to take on more if you are ready!
Get the Most Out of Your Internship
No matter where you intern, it’s important to make the most of the experience — you never know when an internship could lead to a part- or full-time job! While you’ll have many learning opportunities, you’ll get more out of your internship when you fully commit to taking on each day with a positive attitude.
Here is how to make the most of your internship:
- Set goals.
- Understand what is expected of you.
- Ask questions but make sure the time is appropriate.
- Respectfully give feedback if you need more support or want to learn something new.
- Be reliable and definitely on time!
- Keep an open mind.
- Have fun!!!
Your internship will help you see what a career in early childhood education is all about! An internship also exposes you to different companies’ philosophies and teaching styles. Our teachers and leaders are passionate about children and education. We believe in providing a quality learning facility where children want to come and where we can help them develop to their full potential.
Are you ready to learn while inspiring young children to become lifelong learners? Internships at U-GRO are available throughout the year, so if you’re interested in an internship with U-GRO, visit our careers page to learn more about our careers at U-GRO and apply! We’re excited to help you reach your full potential and can’t wait to hear from you.