It's getting closer and closer to summertime; either you're looking forward to rest and relaxation or you're stressing out about getting plans together for that summer internship.
Internships are a crucial aspect in attaining a successful future. Employers prefer to hire someone with experience versus someone without any experience. For many, getting the internship of their dreams isn't even necessarily the most difficult part of the process. Getting a golden internship is definitely something you should be proud of, but many people are equally concerned with how they will afford to accomplish their goal in working for the perfect company.
Most undergraduate-level internships are either unpaid or relatively lowly paid. For example, many internships are offered at minimum wage — $7.25 hourly. Sure, the experience may look nice on a resume, but there are many people who could not afford to devote time to a job that will not pay the bills. Should those people be forced to suffer the consequences of not being able to find a job as easily after graduation?
In reality, some people end up having to spend money while completing an internship.
Let's face it, the economy is rough. Jobs are not easy to find, especially to freshly graduated college students. It will be semi-difficult to find a job after college regardless, let alone without any experience.
This seems unfair and it is. The truth is, you may be the best at what you do but without any factual evidence to prove it, you may never get the chance to prove yourself-- some industries are much more competitive than others.
Like our teachers, advisors and academic mentors, I'm once again stressing the importance of acquiring an internship before the end of your college experience. I'm also emphasizing how difficult the situation can be for some. If you're working a few jobs to pay for college, working on an internship and managing to have the slightest semblance of a social life — I see you. Your effort will be recognized; keep at it and stay focused.
