Interning in a big city is an exciting experience and I can definitely say that despite the somewhat tiring commute, I learned a lot during my summer internship in New York. There I was lucky enough to spend my summer days writing and researching top travel destinations for a Travel PR company. For a wanderlust stricken college student, this was a dream of an opportunity. And no, I did not have to go on consistent coffee runs, a concern I'm not afraid to admit I initially had.
Food
Besides acquiring skills that will enhance my resume, I learned a lot more about New York itself. New York is such a diverse city and if there’s one thing I’m going to miss when I go back to school, it’s the variety of food options I was surrounded by daily. While eating at the Chipotle across from work might have been tempting, I learned that the city is a melting pot of cultures, with all types of cuisine that should not be overlooked. Going out with co-workers after a long work day is always fun and the North River Lobster Company is a gem of a restaurant. Part fish shack part boat, the lobster shack sails around the Hudson every night offering delicious seafood and stunning views of the NYC skyline. Big cities are the perfect place to expand your palette and enjoy a night out with friends.
Art
Another treasure of New York that should be appreciated is the art and theater scene. From visiting one of the many museums and seeing a Broadway show to listening to the unique music performances of street artists, there are an endless amount of activities and every day happenings to make you feel culturally enriched. Sometimes it’s worth it to stay late after work and treat yourself to a show or concert. The King and I, winner of four Tony Awards and currently playing at the renowned Lincoln Center, should not be missed. Take advantage of everything a big city like New York has to offer while you’re there!
People
Whether you’re traveling on the subway, stopping at your favorite coffee shop, or in the office with the rest of your team, you will run into and meet new people. Sometimes this leads to making friendly acquaintances while other times it means forming lifelong relationships. Either way, I’ve learned it’s important to take advantage of making connections. You never know what the future holds. Career wise, networking is crucial, and what better place to meet people that could open the door to an endless amount of opportunities than New York.
While interning in a new city, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Experience as much as you can while you can. You can learn just as much, if not more, out of the office as you can sitting at your desk. And yes, I learned a lot even when I did have to go on a few small errands for my boss. A city like New York deserves the attention.
New York, I’ve definitely fallen in love with your skyscrapers, bright lights, and bustling crowds and will miss my summer internship dearly. I can honestly say I enjoyed going to work every day and am thankful for the opportunity I had to experience the diverse food, art, and people of a city I adore.
