Paid Internships: Bridging the Gap Between University and Career

University Degrees vs. Practical Experience: A Graduate's Perspective Finding a job after graduating can be challenging, especially if your degree lacks real-world experience. Many graduates find themselves in a frustrating cycle: employers require experience, but gaining experience is difficult without a job. This issue is highlighted in a recent video by career advisor, mimiworkbestie, who emphasizes the importance of practical training alongside academic studies. "The years of university without practical experience are useless," mimiworkbestie states in her video. "If you're stuck in this loop of not finding work because you lack experience, but you can't get experience without a job, I understand!" She advocates for programs that combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. One such program she recommends is EU4DUAL. This program offers a dual master's degree, allowing students to study at top European universities and gain paid internships at companies like Mercedes Benz and Safran Aero. This paid internship aspect is a key differentiator, as mimiworkbestie points out that many unpaid internships don't even cover transportation costs. The program also focuses on developing skills in sustainability and digital transformation, skills highly valued in today's job market. "They also prepare you with skills that are in high demand," she explains, "like sustainability and digital transformation." The video concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to message her for more information. The video's popularity, with 826 views and 30 likes in just a few hours, underscores the relevance of this issue for many young professionals. The EU4DUAL program, with its focus on practical, paid experience, seems to be a promising solution to the common problem of bridging the gap between academic study and professional experience.