If you're like me, you've recently graduated and you're ready to start your professional career. If you're lucky, you land a full-time job but if you're still like me, you're about to start an internship. Congratulations, you have crossed a professional threshold!
Internships promise to offer you professional experience and networking opportunities, but with minimal pay if any at all. You may get the grunt work, but that's okay because you've got the gusto to pull through. What were all those challenges in school worth, if not to prepare you for the real world?
I moved overseas for my internship and I thought I'd share a few essentials you'll need to get ready for yours.
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A budget
Budget before you leave and budget again once you get there. Think about your income and reimbursements (if any) and stretch it as far as you can. In order to make it on this small income, you'll need to tighten your belt.
Some things to budget:
Rent
Food expenses
Transportation costs
Toiletries
Gym membership
Entertainment (money for drinks and nights out with friends, etc.)
Travel money
Savings?! (If you actually save, you have earned my undying respect) -
Plane ticket
Some internships reimburse travel expenses, but regardless make sure you book it early, as flights cost more closer to the departure date!
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Health insurance
Depending on how long you're gone for and what province you're from, you might need to notify your provincial government that you'll be out of the province to ensure you'll still be covered when you get home.
Getting private health insurance while you're abroad is definitely a good idea!
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Get a local bank account
A local bank account is absolutely essential. If you're in a paid internship, this will likely be a requirement so they can immediately deposit your hard-earned money in your account.
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Research the destination's climate and weather
Remember, you'll need professional and casual clothes, as well as shoes. You may also need a raincoat or parka, depending on where you're headed.
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Weigh your baggage
It seems obvious, but definitely weigh your baggage before you head to the airport. Airlines will charge you extra for overweight luggage or additional bags, so be cautious on how you pack.
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Extra change of clothes in your carry-on
My baggage got lost on my way to Europe. It also got destroyed. True story. I hope this doesn't happen to you, but take an extra pair of clothes with you on board, just in case.
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A hostel, hotel or other place to stay before you find a more permanent location
Having a place before you get here sounds ideal, but it's better to look for lodging once you're here. Find a reasonably priced room to crash in the meantime!
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Research the area you want to live in
Stay safe and try to find a place close to work!
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Get used to public transport
Hopefully, you're used to it by now, so it won't be too much of a shock, but it can be daunting to learn how the public transportation system in a different country works.
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Buy or bring your phone (ideally a smartphone)
I'll be honest, I cannot believe I managed to get around foreign cities before Google Maps.
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Converters and adapters for your electronics
This one is very obvious, but I didn't actually get a converter until the day before I left.
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Travel plans
Once you're overseas, take advantage of it and explore!
No one really told me what to do when I started preparing for my internship, so I hope this gives you a better idea on what to expect. I wish you all the best on your journey and internship. Work hard, but don't forget to enjoy it. After all, you've earned it!
Rachel Legaspi is a recent graduate of McGill University's master of information studies program, where she specialized in Knowledge Management. Prior to this, she graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa with a joint honours in history and political science. While Rachel's first love will always be learning, she also enjoys making music and playing sports, (especially fastball). She hopes that by contributing to this blog, she will provide useful insight on technologies that can assist readers in finding jobs and careers.