An internship provides an opportunity to use the knowledge you have learned in school and gain practical career related work experience within your chosen industry. You should not leave University without one! Your future employers are interested in your education, but they also want to see that you can support your education with strong and applicable work experience that demonstrates your ability to understand their industry as well as the world of work. Internships can be be completed during the summer and/or academic year; for credit unit and/or non-credit unit; locally, nationally, and/or internationally. Several Nigerian University Courses require an internship as part of the graduation requirements. Whether required or not, you should have at least one internship experience before graduation.

The Benefits of an Internship
Get your foot in the door of a company for which you would like to work
Gain valuable career-related experience
Explore areas of interest (job and/or industry)
Network with industry professionals
Increase employment and/or graduate school opportunities after graduation
Build a strong résumé with relevant experience
Develop professional, transferable and marketable skills
Obtain letters of recommendations or strong references
A possible job offer
Often, interns are exposed to many of the same opportunities and challenges as a regular employee. You will experience what it is like to work in a professional environment, learn the company culture, and interact with other career professionals. An internship will certainly help you in your school-to-work transition. Some industries (advertising, public relations, writing, photography, animation, graphic design, and entertainment) are so competitive that you need an internship in that field, in addition to an appropriate degree, to be employable after graduation.

Turning your internship into a full-time opportunity
If you want to turn your internship into a full-time opportunity, attitude is key!

General attitude, cooperativeness, and enthusiasm are what employers are looking for in a candidate who is just starting out.

Distinguish yourself as a cut above the competition by...

Taking on new or extra projects and assignments
Getting to know your co-workers, supervisors, and the company culture
Asking questions when in doubt
Communicating with enthusiasm
Asking for feedback about your performance
Making the most out of your internship experience
Communicating your career goals and plans
Willingness to learn from others
Staying in contact with the connections you make
How do I find an Internship?
Look for internships in various places
Network - friends, family, professors, classmates, current employment
Informational interviews
Job search engines
Company websites
Campus Events such as...
Internship and Job Fair (First and Second semester in your university)
Company information sessions
hireanigerian
LinkedIn
Also latest Internship opportunity can be found at: http://www.hireanigerian.com/?page_id=14&job_board=/type/intership/

Principal Investments Summer Intern at CardinalStone Partners
Company Info

CardinalStone is a full service Investment Bank, providing services in financial advisory, capital raising andinvestment management to a diverse base of investors and business owners with strong interest in Nigeria and the broader West African economic region. Through our Principal Investments Division (PID), CardinalStone executes hands-on private equity investments in select operating companies across key growth sectors of the Nigerian economy. Today, CardinalStone PID is actively managing two portfolio companies as well as in advanced stages of incubating a third, and continues to assess several new investment opportunities.

Job Description

* Oversee and drive the formulation and implementation of the optimization strategy for portfolio companies
* Oversee and drive the formulation and execution of the investment strategy for new investment opportunities
* Drive the end-to-end transaction process for new investment opportunities
* Serve as primary custodian of all projects & portfolio companies under his/her control, managing all internal and external resources engaged on such projects
* Directly oversee the performance and development of analysts, interns and fellows on the team
* Work closely with and report directly to the divisional head and the executive management team of CardinalStone on assigned projects and other strategic issues as may be required
* Work will likely require a reasonable amount of travel - primarily domestic travel across Nigeria, with some international travel

Ideal Candidate Profile

* Bachelors degree with exceptional academic performance from a top tier university
* 2 - 4 years experience in a management consulting, investment banking or general management/strategy role requiring strong financial modelling, analytical reasoning and presentation skills required
* Interest in making a transition towards entrepreneurship, private equity or principal investing in emerging markets or sub-Saharan Africa
* Experience in emerging markets, particularly Nigeria is a plus

www.hireanigerian.com