Internship far from satisfactory

Many graduates are working as interns and apply for the internship, hoping they will sharpen competence involving acquiring work experience and knowledge.

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They seek to strengthen their marketability in the vocational area through the internship. However, most of them end up doing odd jobs instead of learning actual work.

Ku Seul-ki, 24, shared her experience when she worked at newspaper publishing company.

"I mostly spent time doing photocopying, data arranging and preparing and cleaning the meeting room. Working hard as an intern did not lead to the permanent job. It rather helped to write my resume. But even if it proves that I have work experience, I do not know what I have learnt and wonder would it help in my future job".

Similarly, Lee Ji-min who worked as an intern in one of conglomerates said she spent most of work ours cleaning meeting rooms, doing other chores and just idling times.

"I was upset about what my boss asking me to do, but I could not express it. I did not want to upset my boss by complaining. As I was not guaranteed to be a permanent or even contracted worker, I wanted to show him I am a hard worker", Lee said.

College graduates are engaged in fierce competition in landing a job. Some of them pin their hope on internship for employment. But few of them land in jobs they want.

Kim Ji-hye, a college graduate from Seoul, has quitted internship from a small entertainment agency as she felt wasting time. "I thought I could see whether this field or company fits my vision. But I gained nothing".

At first when she was picked as an intern, she thought she would have some chance to be a permanent worker when internship ends and possibly afford at least earn some pocket money.

"The salary was smaller than the other part-time job. my 3 month internship, I am still worrying about my unemployment status might continue for a long time. I am not sure whether I should apply for another internship", she said.

Lee Ji-soo, currently preparing for a state exam, has worked as an intern at a consulting firm for a year and quit last year.

Though the internship was not led to a job for her, she said the experience has provided her foundation to cope with difficulties or new tasks.

"It's not all bad when I think back my experience, but the work load was too much for me to handle. I had to stand by all time in case if my boss calls me", Lee said.

The writer was an intern of The Korea Times.