Internship – does it evoke positive memories to you? Sure many of you can recall the time when you were an intern. The usual prejudice defines internship as another word for bringing coffee and performing small errands for your superiors. But, the time has changed.

Internship is considered to be the first step in building your career and professional reputation. Therefore, use it wisely.

In the effort to respond to the challenging labor market in Montenegro, which is lacking qualified/skilled labor force, AmCham Montenegro has developed its Internship Program. This three-month long program provides students, who are in their final year of college, to get practical working experience in some of the well-respected AmCham member companies. In the last four years, 60 students passed the program, from all three universities in Montenegro: University of Montenegro, University of Donja Gorica and Mediterranean University.

Some of the requirements for students participating in this program are:

The company provides mentorship for each student, thus enabling them to receive as much knowledge as possible within the given period. The program represents an excellent opportunity, both for students and companies. Students could find their potential full-time job and create a network of contacts. Companies, on the other hand, can find top talent to join their team.

So how does completing this internship program can help your future career? According to the recent research conducted by the AmCham Montenegro, the most common benefits are as follows:

After completing the program, AmCham traditionally organizes a certificate reception ceremony. The U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro awarded the 2014 generation with Certificates of Completion, during the AmCham Holiday Party at the Wine Cellar Šipčanik on December 17.

This year, 21 students has successfully finished their internship in one of the 12 member companies, participants in the program: Ernst & Young, Telenor, McCANN Podgorica, Crnogorski Telekom, Telemont, Represent Communications, Hypo Alpe Adria Bank, Čikom, Gintasmont-Ramada, Uniqa insurance, Societe Generale Montenegro i Trebjesa Brewery.

So, to sum up: Dear students, the program can be of great use to you in obtaining skills and knowledge necessary for your future carrier. Do not miss the chance to apply for the 2015 AmCham Internship Program! Follow AmCham website and our Facebook and Twitter page for regular updates on this program.