Thinking About an Internship but Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’ve finished school or are studying and you keep hearing about internships, you’re not alone. Many young people feel pressure to “get experience” but don’t always understand what that really means or whether an internship is right for them.
This guide is here to walk you through internships in a calm, honest way — like someone older sitting next to you and explaining things properly, without rushing you or selling you dreams.
So, what exactly is an internship?
An internship is a learning period inside a real workplace. You are not just reading about a career — you are seeing how it actually works day to day.
In most cases, internships:
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Are temporary (a few months up to a year)
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Focus on learning and exposure
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Help you understand how your studies connect to real jobs
Some internships are paid, some offer a stipend, and others are unpaid. What matters most is the experience and skills you gain.
Who usually benefits the most from internships?
Internships are especially helpful if:
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You’ve completed Grade 12 and don’t yet have work experience
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You’re studying at a TVET college or university
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You’re unsure which career path truly fits you
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You want to strengthen your CV before applying for jobs
For example, a student studying marketing might realise during an internship that they enjoy digital work more than sales. That kind of clarity is valuable and hard to get from books alone.
Why internships matter more than people tell you
Many employers don’t just look at qualifications — they look for work readiness.
Internships help you learn things like:
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How to communicate professionally
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How to manage time and responsibilities
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How workplaces actually function
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How to work with different personalities
Even if you don’t stay with the same company, the experience stays with you.
How internships usually work in real life
Most internships follow a simple structure:
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You apply and go through a basic screening
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You are placed in a department related to your field
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You work under supervision
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You learn by doing, observing, and asking questions
You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to learn, show effort, and grow.
Important things to think about before applying
Before deciding, ask yourself:
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Am I doing this to learn, or just because I feel pressured?
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Does this internship align with what I’m studying or interested in?
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Can I afford the transport and time commitment?
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Will this help me move closer to my long-term goals?
An internship should support your journey — not drain you emotionally or financially.
A realistic example many South Africans relate to
Imagine a graduate with a diploma in Office Administration. On paper, they qualify for jobs, but employers keep asking for experience.
An internship gives that person:
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Real office exposure
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Confidence in interviews
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Practical proof of skills
That small step often makes a big difference later.
Where internships are usually advertised
Internships can be found through:
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Company websites
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Government portals
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Trusted education and opportunity platforms
Be careful of offers that ask for money or make unrealistic promises. Legitimate internships focus on learning, not pressure.
Official internship opportunities portal
Below is an official platform where internships and work-related opportunities are shared:
Official opportunities platform
Is an internship the right move for you right now?
There’s no single correct path. An internship is not a failure and not a shortcut — it’s a step.
If you want clarity, skills, and confidence before fully entering the job market, an internship can be a smart and respectful way to move forward.
Take your time, read carefully, and choose what truly supports your future.
What learning environments often look like
