An internship is an opportunity for a student or recent graduate to gain insight into a potential career path through hands-on training and experience. In the modern world, internships are essential for any aspiring professional looking to stand out from the crowd. As the competition to land your dream job intensifies — both in terms of quantity and quality — internships provide a way to add real-world contributions to your resume, have a personal reference in the field, and gain valuable insight that will help you develop professionally in the long-term.