With summer coming like a freight train, college students all over are planning vacations, interviewing for jobs and searching for internships related to their major. Although most internships do not pay, look excellent on resumes and can aid in finding a job after graduation.
However, for many college students, money is a main concern. Therefore finding a job that pays can, not only be a priority, but also a necessity. The question remains, what’s really important?
For many freshmen, many of whom remain undeclared, a paying job is the way to go. Bridgid Jones, a freshman at Millersville University, decided that, for now, money is of the utmost importance. “I have my summer job lined up, and I can’t wait to start. I’ll be saving for my tuition next year, and enjoying myself over the summer. I’m a freshman, and I haven’t declared my major yet, but when I do of course, I’ll plan on finding an internship.” Most lower-classmen had similar opinions. As a freshman, I can also say that although I attempted to obtain an internship for the summer, it was not as important as finding a paying job. For some college students like Scott Orlyck, sophomore at Temple University, financial responsibilities come first. Because he pays for college, and living expenses by himself, a summer job that pays takes precedence over an internship that may help him gain a job after graduation.
However, for most upper-classmen that have declared a specific major, obtaining an internship, paid or not, is a must. Mobola Moronto, a junior at the Community College of Philadelphia, found a summer internship that would occupy at least 40 hours of his time each week. With all of that time occupied, he was sure he would not be able to work full time. He needs the internship, but wonders how he will pay for all of his day-to-day expenses without a paying job.
“I told my parents how important it was that I take the internship, and they offered to help me over the summer. I feel relieved that I can now take the time to learn more, and I really believe that this will be important when I graduate and am looking for a job.” Brian D’Ottavio, a graduate of the University of Penn, is convinced that without his two years of intern experience he would have had a lot more difficulty finding a job. “I have friends who still have not found jobs, months after graduation. It really matters.”
For all college students, the summer is considered the most valuable, precious time of the year. So the question remains, how will you spend yours?
