Interning at Virgin Pulse has been one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve ever had.

Before my internship, I didn’t have a strong sense of direction. I knew my interests, but the passion was missing. I’ve always been interested in holistic well-being, though, so interning at Virgin Pulse – a company that helps replenish employees through habits that enhance their mental, physical, and emotional health – immediately drew me in.

I started the summer expecting I’d get exposure to marketing and a better understanding of how organizations function. But I’ve gained a lot more knowledge and experience than I expected to. One of my biggest takeaways is comparing what I’ve learned in the classroom to how it actually happens in the corporate world.

As a college student, I’ve learned broadly about marketing. I’ve had projects that honed my writing and marketing skills, and I’ve been tested on them. But nothing compares to how this is all applied in the real world.

In the classroom, teachers drill into your head the Four Ps of marketing, but that’s just the beginning. Marketing covers such a broad spectrum – more than school can begin to explain. Interning on the marketing team has shown me the directions I can take in this industry. I work on a lot of different projects. The range of tasks I’m assigned has helped me understand what I like to do, focusing the direction I want to take when I graduate college. For example, I’ve always loved to write. I used to see it as just a hobby, but interning at Virgin Pulse shows me how I can integrate it with marketing. I’ve contributed to the blog, which inspired me to apply to write for my college’s newspaper.

Even though I’ve absorbed a lot from the classes I’ve taken, immersing myself in an office setting and seeing how everything comes together is the best and most effective way to learn. I truly believe that every college student or recent grad should intern at some point before starting their professional career. School isn’t the same as the real world, and it’s critical that students get a feel for life after college before they jump right into it.

Internships provide experience and knowledge that can’t be found anywhere else. They offer students the chance to build resumes, network, make connections, and get a one of a kind experience. It helps give a sense of direction and helps students know what they’re looking for (or not looking for!) in a job.

I recommend that other students intern, even if they aren’t sure what they’re interests are or which path they want to take. The only way to find out is to surround themselves by a place that’s supportive, understanding, and helps to make sure they’re getting the most out of their internship.

The past eight weeks felt short and went by fast, but I’ve learned a lot about both business and myself. I feel more confident going into my last year of college knowing which direction I want to take. I’m extremely grateful I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Virgin Pulse, and to make all the connections I did. This experience is one that I’ll carry with me as I move toward graduation and begin stepping into the real world.

Interested in being a part of Virgin Pulse? Check out our Careers section for a list of open positions.

This article originally apeared on: The Uprising Blog