Dear Experts,

Do employers consider internship experience to be part of one’s professional experience? I have nearly 2 years of professional experience, which includes 6 months as a full-time, paid intern. Would I meet most employers requirements of having 2 years experience in a particular field?

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Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:

Q#311 Yes internship counts esp since paid. U have reqd experience; position urself as SKILLED ans 2 prayers. (@juliaerickson)

Q#311 Internships are vitally imp to landing a job today. 3/4 of employers prefer candidates w/relevant exp. (@heatherhuhman)

Q#311 You better believe it counts! 6 months of solid intern experience = a dozen college classes. (@beneubanks)

Q#311 Yes. If u hv participated in projects get it on resume to sell urself. Highlight results and contributions in role. (@DebraWheatman)

Q#311 A skill’s a skill, paid, unpaid or volunteer. Sell value and knowledge. Longevity less of a factor. (@dawnbugni)

Q#311 Internship counts. Some empl count 6 mths wkg p/t as 3 months f/t. Experience would = a litte over a year. (@kgrantcareers)

Q#311 I would say yes, but it depends on the company as to whether it would be considered. (@gradversity)

Q#311 It depends! Some “count” internship as “pro” exp, but most important how you position what you offer! (@keppie_careers)

Q#311 Internship experience counts! Much more than coursework related to job. Emphasize what you learned! (@jtodonnell)

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