In today’s job market, where nearly 70% of entry-level jobs require prior experience and over half of employers use internships to recruit full-time hires, such programs now sit at the center of how young people learn, network, and break into an increasingly competitive market. The Dawoodi Bohras of New Jersey hosted an Internship Insider Event — a community-driven initiative rooted in the Dawoodi Bohra ethos of education, hard work, and supporting one another.
Led by young professionals from New Jersey, Jumana Attarwala, Mariam Tapia, and Aziz Kapadia, the event provided an honest, enriching exchange between students eager to pursue their dream careers and those who are already walking their paths.
The seminar featured four panelists—Husain Attarwala, Rukaiya Ghasletwala, Zahra Lokhandwala, and Husain Vohra—who shared candid stories and clear-sighted advice on how to find, secure, and thrive in internships.
“This isn’t just about landing the internship,” said one organizer in her opening remarks. “It’s about knowing why you want it — and how to make it count.”
Finding the Right Fit
Panelists urged attendees to seek internships that align with their long-term goals rather than chasing prestige or pay alone. They pointed to platforms like LinkedIn Jobs and university career centers as starting points, but also emphasized the power of personal networks — especially within the community. “Half of opportunity,” one speaker remarked, “is knowing where to look — and who to ask.”
Making the Most of Opportunity
Once in the door, participants were told, initiative matters most.
“Don’t wait for assignments—create them,” advised a panelist.
Several speakers described how introducing themselves to managers, volunteering for projects, and setting up short one-on-one chats helped them stand out.
“Visibility,” said one attendee, “isn’t about showing off — it’s about consistently showing up.”
Preparation, the panelists agreed, is equal parts research and self-awareness and the factor that mattered most. “The biggest mistake,” one panelist warned, “is not knowing your own résumé. You should be ready to back up every line with a story.”
Building Balance and Good Habits
When the discussion moved from résumés to the realities of full-time work, the room adapted a more reflective atmosphere. They spoke about recognizing burnout, which studies find that around 48% early professionals struggle with. Fatigue, irritability, or feeling detached from work, they said, are cues to reset. Routines, boundaries, and personal interests are what make long-term growth sustainable.
One participant offered a reminder: “Ambition matters, but it’s worth nothing if you lose the ability to enjoy your own life.”
Many appreciated the chance to discuss these topics that surround mental health and balance openly, with several remarking how needed it is not just in professional development, but in every aspect of life.
Connection and Community
The evening closed with a networking session that saw students from business, law, data science, engineering, marketing, and supply chain management exchanging notes and contact information.
In the end, the session reinforced that an internship isn’t just a box to tick, but a bridge into the field one hopes to grow in over time. As one participant reflected, “It’s where you start becoming the person you want to be.”
