Work experience is an important part of any young person's education and career progression. It provides individuals with an opportunity to discover whether a career is of interest, while allowing them to assess their own strengths and aptitude for a certain industry. It's also a great addition to a resume when applying for graduate jobs. 

Internship is a dress rehearsal for a graduate job

Employers often offer internships and recruit top-performing candidates on to their graduate training programmes. An internship gives graduates the chance to enhance their career prospects. 

Reflect on career interest

An internship allows an individual to discover a suitable career path, and assess whether an employer or sector is the right choice. If it's an area of work you're interested in, think about what skills and experience are needed to further strengthen your qualifications. 

Demonstrate learning

Today's job market is increasingly competitive and graduates must try and stand out from their peers. They must illustrate their abilities with practical examples when applying for jobs, and should demonstrate to employers hard and soft skills, from aptitudes in computer software to communication, teamwork, analysis and leadership.

Andrew Morris, managing director, Robert Half Hong Kong