Throughout our collegiate careers, the word "internship" is thrown around us like CRAZY. There is an important need for college students to test the waters of full time employment and to solidify their own career choices and aspirations. Many times however, most college kids will pick an internship out from the local community or state and are hesitant to go elsewhere. This is a terrible idea. I had the lucky opportunity of going to Denver, Colorado for an internship this year and I'm happy I did it. My friends and family did not understand why I choose to go clear across the country for an internship when the same opportunities are found in Louisiana. Well friends, here are the reasons I decided to take this route.

First, an internship is supposed to show you what other companies value and need in order for you to have a successful and productive career. The problem with staying home for an internship is that you already know how the business will operate and their business culture. Business in the west operate differently than businesses in the south. Small town businesses do not operate in the same way as a Fortune 500 company. You are not learning how to work with a new culture in the same place you have ever been. You are severely limiting the opportunities for yourself in the future.

Secondly, a big city internship lets you figure out if you could afford it and enjoy it. For instance, my summer has been filled with Colorado Rockies baseball games, extensive mountain views, shopping, and museums galore. I have also learned that Denver is in a super housing crunch and a one bedroom apartment equivalent here is close to $1,200 a month. Denver also has a higher cost of living compared to back home. All of this information I would not have known until I came. When you stay home or in-state for an internship, you already have done most of what the city has to offer. You already know the costs involved. In some instances, you may have a disadvantage because of the people who know you. I have a much better perspective of where I would like to work and live than before.

Lastly, you get a whole new network of friends and acquaintances. There are interns from all over the country and I have become friends with many of them. My boss has even offered to help me professionally with my career regardless if I come back to the company or not. Meeting new people and expanding your horizons can greatly help you become a well-rounded person.

Overall, this internship has not decided anything in my life. Denver may or may not be in my future. Louisiana could still be in the shuffle. What has changed is the way I have thought about my work, my life, and my education as I continue to move forward. I think that is more important then anything else.