How many times have you heard the saying that theory is one thing and practice is something entirely different? This statement is based on the fact that practice reinforces many theoretical concepts while opening new horizons. This applies to many professions and fields of knowledge. Practice involves applying theoretical knowledge and developing skills in real-life situations. While theoretical concepts provide the foundation for knowledge, practice enables its application.
When it comes to professional development or education, individuals who acquire theoretical knowledge can only fully integrate it through hands-on experience. Practice is often part of formal education, whether through internships in schools and universities. More and more, practice is also becoming an essential part of professional growth, gained through work assignments or specific projects.
The IT Industry Changed Everything
Engineers and professionals in mechanical, industrial, and other tangible sciences were probably the first to experience the gap between theory and practice. However, this gap significantly widened with the advent of computers, as the sheer number of technological advancements could not be fully captured through theory alone.
Many older professionals recall the days when programming exercises in Pascal were written in notebooks, and some never even had the chance to apply “If-Then-Else” patterns in real-world situations. This highlights the crucial role of practice—both in the past and even more so today.
In the IT industry, practice plays an essential role in helping students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the ever-evolving business environment. If anything has demonstrated how theory evolves with experience, it is undoubtedly the IT sector.
From Hard Work to Success
Students and young professionals who gain theoretical knowledge in academic settings can only claim true mastery once they enter the world of practical work. This transition allows them to apply theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios. By doing so, they gain a deeper understanding of how industries operate and encounter real-world challenges that cannot be fully grasped in a classroom.
The IT sector, in particular, is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring swift adaptation to constant changes. Practice helps students understand these changes in real-time. Working on real-world projects encourages them to develop critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork—often considered the holy trinity of the IT industry.
When theoretically trained students take on real-world challenges, they become aware of the complexities of business processes and learn to adjust their methodologies accordingly. Experience, as they say, is what you gain when things don’t go as planned. Learning from mistakes is invaluable, and hands-on work helps identify risks, analyze data, and predict possible outcomes.
Pathway to Success
M&I Systems Group has designed Go4Consulting, an internship program that goes far beyond simply offering a glimpse into the workplace. This program allows students to engage with new technologies while receiving mentorship and building valuable networks. Expanding one’s list of professional contacts is one of the greatest career assets.
Access to innovative technologies through internships means that participants get hands-on experience with cutting-edge software solutions that define the global IT industry. Engaging in real-world projects allows future professionals to work with tools such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), BI (Business Intelligence), Salesforce (CRM software), and RPA (Robotic Process Automation).
Familiarity with these technologies gives participants a competitive edge, making them more attractive candidates in the job market. Employers increasingly seek candidates with hands-on experience, making internships a crucial step in bridging the gap between youth and professional experience.
The Importance of Mentorship
A well-structured internship should always include strong mentorship support. Companies that prioritize mentoring gain a significant advantage in the market. When experienced professionals take the lead in developing young talents—offering guidance on both technology and industry processes—success is almost guaranteed.
Mentorship provides interns with the perspective and guidance needed to navigate workplace challenges, set priorities, and grow professionally. Since no job can be mastered without constructive feedback, the mentor-student relationship helps interns build confidence and acquire skills that will be invaluable in their future careers.
The Go4Consulting program offers an additional bonus privilege—interns can connect with professionals from different sectors and gain insights from seasoned experts who might become their future colleagues, mentors, or business partners. Networking plays a vital role in exchanging ideas, gaining new perspectives, and learning from the experiences of others. Despite advancements in artificial intelligence, social skills remain crucial for professional success. By developing social intelligence, interns can pave their way toward future career opportunities.
Identifying and Developing Talent
For talents to be recognized and nurtured, they must be placed in the right environments. Internship programs allow companies to directly assess the abilities and potential of young professionals. This means that internships are not just beneficial for students but also for companies, as they can identify and recruit potential future employees who align with their corporate culture and values.
Interns often work on various tasks and projects, helping them discover their strengths and preferred areas within the IT industry—whether it’s software development, IT consulting, or data management. At the same time, companies can track their progress, identify their strong points, and guide them toward specialized career paths where they excel.
Internships frequently serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment, which benefits both students and companies. Statistics show that a significant percentage of interns eventually get hired by the companies where they interned. This is no coincidence, as businesses use internships as a strategic recruitment tool, recognizing the value of retaining young professionals who are already familiar with their work environment.
Moreover, internships play a key role in shaping and strengthening a company’s corporate culture. By working with young talents, companies can instill their values, standards, and work ethic in the next generation of employees. At M&I Systems Group, internships provide students not only with technical expertise but also with exposure to essential company values such as professionalism, proactivity, and dedication.
This approach helps attract candidates who resonate with these values, reinforcing the company’s culture and identity. When interns transition into full-time employees, they bring these values with them, further enhancing the organization’s team spirit and work environment.
