Getting into the wrong field is something no job seeker / candidate would like to do as it not only leads to frustration, it also involves wastage of time and energies. Wouldn't it be great if you could get the feel of a career before stepping into it and taking on the "all important job"?
The Solution is an Internship!

Meaning of Internships

The term internship refers to a stage / phase during which an individual gets the opportunity to experience his / her industry of interest before entering into it full time and opting for it as his / her future career field.
Internships are ideal for understanding the way a particular industry functions and what it would be like to work in that scenario. Often, individuals who intern with Companies are able to gain valuable insights into their own personalities and skills. Such an experience puts them in a better situation to decide whether they are suited for a particular role / industry or not.

What Students Can Gain From An Internship

Work Experience - Most students who graduate or pass out fresh from College do not have any valuable on-the-job experience to show on their resumes. Working as an intern for a Company provides them with some work experience which can be mentioned on their otherwise scanty CV.
Understanding of the career field and future prospects.
Develop useful skills and gain valuable exposure - on the job!
Develop useful contacts - network with people in the same field, etc.

What Companies / Employers Can Gain From An Internship

Opportunity to Test, Train and Hire Future Employees - It is not uncommon for Companies to hire interns on a full time basis. This is because, during their internship, employers get the opportunity to test and watch the intern. Often, Companies see potential in some of the interns and may ask them to join on a regular basis, reducing hiring costs tremendously.
Get Work Done At a Low Cost - Most interns are either not paid at all or given a very low pay while they handle useful projects for the Company. Companies benefit from having a dedicated and excited intern as a part of their team who is eager to learn and function with the Company.

Problems Associated With Internships

Though internships work both ways and are beneficial for both the intern and the Company, it is always recommended to understand clearly what the position has to offer during the internship.
It has been seen that some Companies delegate most of their low level administrative jobs to their interns This includes carrying files from table to table, typing letters etc. As long as this is a small part of your internship, it is fine. After all, you must learn all aspects of the job. However, you should realise that this is turning into something unfavorable when you are only made to do administrative / secretarial jobs all the time. If you begin to face such a situation, contact your internship coordinator and discuss the problem.

Remember: The internship must provide you a chance to develop your skills in your chosen field. If you feel there is something more you would like to do - maybe take on an additional project, assist in a major presentation or meeting, discuss it with your boss / coordinator.
They will surely appreciate you being proactive and interested in getting involved with the working of the Company.