Experienced? Maybe you should consider an internship

In some fields these days, seasoned professionals are finding it difficult to find work in their fields. Long-term unemployment among older workers is at levels not seen in decades, and even workers with stellar credentials and good employment histories have found themselves having to consider alternatives to full-time employment in their fields.

For some in this category, it might be a good idea to consider an internship in a new field.

“There are circumstances where internships may make sense for a mature worker, especially if the individual is changing industries and needs experience,” says John Robak, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Greeley and Hansen, a global environmental and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Chicago. “If an individual is looking to make a career move, exploring internship opportunities is a great way to gain experience while networking for a full-time position.”

Internships offer even experienced workers the chance to “try on” a new field under the guidance of insiders who know the territory. They can also provide valuable connections for networking and pursuing other career and job leads.

There are, however, some extra considerations veteran professionals need to take into account when considering an internship. “In some cases, it may be the first time in their career they have a supervisor that is younger than them, Robak said. “Additionally, their fellow interns may be younger as well.”

They may also find themselves working on a limited number of projects well below the level for which they would otherwise be qualified, as most internships are still geared towards college-age and recently graduated workers. Robak adds, “Of course, with a career change to an internship position, the compensation will most likely be significantly less than compared to their salary at their last job. But even with these trade-offs, an internship may still provide a valuable opportunity for getting practical, on-the-job experience in a new industry.”

Many firms, including Robak's, are willing to consider internship applications from older as well as younger workers. “At Greeley and Hansen, we would welcome anyone into our internship program if they meet our qualifications and have the right attitude about working in our industry and our firm,” he said.

As with any job, you should do your due diligence before applying for an internship. Research the company to see whether you would fit in well with its mission and culture, and make sure that the internship truly aligns with your career interests. If you can handle starting over from Square One and the prospect of working for bosses younger than you, an internship can serve as the gateway to a new career even for professionals who have been around the block many times.

Whether you're starting over or staying on your current path, you'll find a job tailored to your interests on BusinessWorkForce.com.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is an award-winning writer and editor who has spent most of his career in public relations and corporate communications. His work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia CityPaper, PGN, and a number of Web sites. Philly-area residents may also recognize him as "MarketStEl" of discussion-board fame. He has been a part of the great reserve army of freelance writers since January 2009 and is actively seeking opportunities wherever they may lie.