Thank you to everyone who came out last night for #ResuChat, and a huge special thank you to our great host, Mark Babbitt (@YouTernMark)! If you missed this past chat, don’t worry! We have a new #ResuChat every other Tuesday featuring some of the best experts on resumes and advice on Twitter. Join our next chat on Tuesday, May 22 at 8 p.m. ET!

Here’s a recap of some of last night’s questions and answers:

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Why are internships such an important part of career development today?

@YouTernMark: A degree is simply not enough in today’s economy. Employers demand experience, from even entry-level employees. In our competitive workforce, the differentiator is being able to get the job done now – internships provide that experience. With 9 out of 10 direct-from-college hires going to those with workforce experience… internships almost mandatory now. About 70% of students completing internships now.. up from 10% just a few years ago.

@TomBolt:  Internships are the bridge between academia and industry. Internships provide continuing education and practical experience outside of the classroom.

@kbaumann: Today’s internships provide opportunities to use your soft skills (leadership, communication) not to mention project management.

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Are internships only for college students? Can workforce veterans also benefit from experiential learning?

@YouTernMark: Everybody in “learning” mode can benefit from internships – students, recent grads and workforce veterans. For all of us, internships allow us to show our work ethic to a potential employer… not a bad way to get a foot in the door. Think of internships as experiential education — in the old-school apprentice model — and everybody benefits.

@kbaumann: Internships are still mostly traditional (undergrad), but they’re opening up. Never be afraid to ask. Might be surprised.

@DaveYouTern: Absolutely. People think internships are only for students. But they’re great for career transition, too.

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With all the controversy regarding “unpaid” internships, should we focus only on paid internships in our career development?

@YouTernMark: There are paid internships that suck – and unpaid internships that are amazing. Hard to judge just on paid or unpaid. Everybody’s situation is different, of course. But one thing is constant: interns should never be exploited in any way. If interns collectively refused offers from unethical employers, they would be forced to offer a quality experience.

@EllaTran91: I see internships as great learning experience so I don’t think you should be paid to learn! I personally have gotten so much out of my internships that sometimes, I think I should pay the companies.

@TacomaLynette Know your needs. If you need $$ to survive know you will need 2nd job or paying internship.

@kbaumann: Paid…unpaid….what are you REALLY gaining from the experience? Might outweigh the paycheck. #justsayin

@DaveYouTern: Paid is ideal. But some companies truly can’t afford to pay. One’s personal situation should be balanced against whether the potential experience to be gained is worth the financial deficit. Sometimes the experience is indeed worth it.

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How do we best show internship experience on our resume, and is there a “best practice” for leveraging our intern activities?

@YouTernMark: Quantify! Quantify! Quantify! With EVERY project, think ahead: “How will I show this achievement on my resume?” “How will I show I exceeded expectations?” Also, be prepared to summarize soft skills gained… what are you good at NOW that creates a value proposition for the employer? Also, show how you were NOT a go-fer, but a contributor. How did you help the mission?

@ThomasCareer: Highlighting accomplishments on the resume is very important. Don’t just list the job duties. See if the internship mentor can help quantify the impact you made on your internship. Did you make money, save money?

@EllaTran91:  Have an online portfolio (articles, videos, presentations,…) to show the work you have accomplished. And don’t forget to get stellar recommendations from supervisors to prove that you were a STAR intern!

@TomBolt: On resume, say what you accomplished during internship. Interning itself is not an accomplishment.

@TheResumeSmith: Show Internships as work experience and include what knowledge you applied, projects you worked on. Also be sure to include your Senior projects (especially Engineers), academic competitions, and IMPACT.

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