Landing an internship in college can help you get ahead of your peers when you graduate. But knowing how to gain the skills employers want without having experience in the workplace can be difficult. Don't always focus on the largest companiesMany college students prioritize internships at big companies that pay the most, but that isn't always the best way to gain experience, Palomaki said. Research the skills employers wantIt's worth spending time researching the skills employers are looking for, Palomaki said. "You have to be able to justify why your skills are relevant for the position that you're applying for," he said.

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Persons: Lasse Palomaki, isn't, Palomaki, I'm, I've, who've, It's, it's Organizations: Business, University of South, University of North, National Association of Colleges, Employers, hustles Locations: University of South Florida, University of North Carolina, Greensboro