I have been doing internships every summer since my freshman year of college.  Here are a few reasons why I think summer internships are so important.

Higher chance of finding a great job.

Internships will help you build a network full of references. These references can provide you with letters of recommendation and introductions that will help you to find new opportunities.

It helps you decide what you would like to do.

An internship allows you to gain insight into the things you like to do and the things you don't like. A profession might seem exciting at first, but with more hands-on experience you might discover it's not perfect for you.

Internships have replaced on-campus recruiting.

I've learned that more and more firms are using intern programs instead of on-campus recruiting. An internship is like an audition, not only for you but for the company as well. It is the ideal way for both of you to learn about each other.

You get real-world work experience.

Every employer says they prefer candidates with experience.  As a result, college students who complete an internship in their chosen field have an advantage over those that don’t. They learn how to apply the knowledge that they've gained in the classroom in the workplace.

In addition, internships give you the chance to see how what you've learned in the classroom is actually used in the real world. As a result, an internship will give you a new context in which to view the things you’re interested in that just can't be learned in a classroom.

You show employers how dedicated you are.

If an employer has to choose between two candidates for an entry-level position; one who has done numerous internships, and one who hasn't done any internships, the employer will almost always choose the candidate with more experience. Internship experience shows employers that you are committed to a career in the given industry.