A four-year degree is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to landing a job or even getting to the next step of your education.

In today’s competitive job market a four-year degree isn’t enough. Internships provide a way to gain hands-on work experience while enrolled in a college or university. It seems that having an internship on your college resume has become just as important as the degree itself.

Colin McGee, a recent graduate of California State University Northridge, learned this the hard way.

“Just before graduation, my girlfriend persuaded me to get a job in a school environment to get some experience and get a feel for what teaching might be like,” said McGee, who graduated with a degree in English Literature. He worked at an elementary school as an after-school childcare assistant with similar duties to a teacher of the same grade level.

“I wish I had done it a lot sooner,” he said. “I would have been able to figure out that teaching is not for me, and wouldn’t be in the position I am in now: (with) a four-year degree and no idea what to do.”

McGee’s story is one of hundreds in similar situations. A Bachelor’s degree is a big accomplishment, but putting it to use is the key to success. At a communications panel held on Feb. 8 at California Lutheran University, speakers were invited to share with students their own personal experiences that have lead them to the careers they hold now. “Interning is a great way to meet people,” said Kate Emminger, Director of Marketing and Promotions at Cumulous Radio. “(It’s) a good thing to have on your resume.”

Many students who get involved with internships have very successful stories to tell. By the time Kim Downey had graduated Baylor University in 2005, she had completed two summer-length internships with Yifat Oren & Associates, a high profile event coordinating company.

“I learned the field through my internship, and how to conduct myself,” says Downey. “I made connections that have been useful to me already, and was able to graduate with the experience necessary to land a job in my field after graduation.”

Downey currently works as an event coordinator for homestore.com in Westlake Village.

“I get up to 8 units of school credit for my job because it is related to my major,” says White. “Plus, when I graduate, I will have enough field experience to get into [Physical Therapy] School.”

More information can be found at Moorpark Colleges Career Services department or on their website at www.moorparkcollege.edu/~career.