With a competitive job market and the prospect of unemployment a looming spectre, some may feel the pressure to obtain an internship to stand out from the crowd. Although internships may be great for those with a clear desired career path, for others the pressure to apply may only prove a distraction from pursuing their true interests.
Some students may stress about the importance of having internship experience when applying to jobs. Many have it in their minds that an internship can set them on the path to securing a graduate job, a 9-5 in London, drinks after work, and weekend getaways. Platforms such as LinkedIn, further exacerbate the pressure that students feel as they see their peers post about securing prestigious internships.However, internships may not be right for everyone depending on what they’re after, and may distract from other valuable summer pursuits.
Moreover, employers often overlook the fact that many of us, due to geographic restrictions or personal circumstances, may not be able to partake in summer internships. For example, many international students have visa restrictions that prevent them from interning in the UK over the summer. Other students may face barriers such as caregiving commitments that take up their summers. As such, no one should be made to feel at a disadvantage just because they were not able to spend their summer interning.
There are many great alternatives to interning. The summer is the perfect time for exploring other interests outside of the busy academic calendar. This could range from volunteering at the Fringe, travelling, or even learning a language, just to name a few. Those who are more academically inclined might even choose to give their dissertation some thought and get ahead of the game. There is no need to do an internship just because everyone else is doing one; going against the current may just be what you need to find a deeper sort of satisfaction.
“Summer Internship Program Closing Celebration and Final Presentations” by MDGovpics is licensed under CC BY 2.0.