For most college students, the summer dreams of traveling the world and rekindling friendships are now unattainable goals. Internships are the new dream of undergraduate and graduate students alike. Nearly all career fields, even those which require advanced degrees, now expect students to spend their summers as interns for companies which may (or may not) hire them in the future. Approximately 63% of students who worked at least one paid internship will have a job offer by the time they graduate. The number may seem dismally small but it is far more than the 40% of students who will have a job offer at graduation who did not complete an internship experience during college. The internship industry, in its current incarnation, is far from perfect or fair; particularly regarding the gender imbalance in awarded internships. As more and more college students seek out internships, the industry will hopefully begin to formulate some general rules to promote equity. Regardless, students everywhere will continue to seek out summer internships to increase their chances of future employment in the real world.
Summer internships can be time consuming but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend some time this summer recharging your batteries. You should! School is just around the corner after all. There is always a lot to do during the summer in the cities where you are interning. Here are some tips to find fun summer activities wherever you are :
1. Start at the Top. City websites, such as New York City’s website, provide tons of information on free summer concerts, events in Central Park, and other city-wide activities. Wherever you are, your city website will likely have similar information for you. The website might also provide information regarding activities like film screenings, parades, and other outdoor events. Take advantage of it – it’s often free!
2. Ask at Work. Full-time employees, especially those who have lived in the area for a few years, will have insider information regarding the don’t-miss summer activities and weekend getaways. They will be valuable in helping you sort out which beaches are best, which bars are seedy, and where to go to find some fun. This is also a fabulous way to get to know your co-workers and perhaps forge important friendships and connections.
3. Attend Office Events. Many employers recognize that summer can be a drag without some extra-curricular involvement in the local area. They’ll often host parties, service activities, or networking events. Don’t blow these invitations off. Go! You’ll have a lot of fun and will most likely meet some new friends - particularly if you‘re in a city with a lot of other interns.
4. Take a Walk. Not every city is a walking city, but getting to know your neighborhood is never a bad idea. It’s a good idea to grab a fellow intern for company. Find out where local students or recent graduates like to go; chances are you’ll find like-minded interns in your neighborhood who are also looking for a good time and some company. If not, at least you’ll know where to not explore again!
Summer internships are a great way to increase your employment skills and your future employability. Just don’t forget to have a good time during the summer. The intern experience you’ll gain is important, but it’s just as important to not burn out before the next school year even begins!
Summer internships can be time consuming but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend some time this summer recharging your batteries. You should! School is just around the corner after all. There is always a lot to do during the summer in the cities where you are interning. Here are some tips to find fun summer activities wherever you are :
1. Start at the Top. City websites, such as New York City’s website, provide tons of information on free summer concerts, events in Central Park, and other city-wide activities. Wherever you are, your city website will likely have similar information for you. The website might also provide information regarding activities like film screenings, parades, and other outdoor events. Take advantage of it – it’s often free!
2. Ask at Work. Full-time employees, especially those who have lived in the area for a few years, will have insider information regarding the don’t-miss summer activities and weekend getaways. They will be valuable in helping you sort out which beaches are best, which bars are seedy, and where to go to find some fun. This is also a fabulous way to get to know your co-workers and perhaps forge important friendships and connections.
3. Attend Office Events. Many employers recognize that summer can be a drag without some extra-curricular involvement in the local area. They’ll often host parties, service activities, or networking events. Don’t blow these invitations off. Go! You’ll have a lot of fun and will most likely meet some new friends - particularly if you‘re in a city with a lot of other interns.
4. Take a Walk. Not every city is a walking city, but getting to know your neighborhood is never a bad idea. It’s a good idea to grab a fellow intern for company. Find out where local students or recent graduates like to go; chances are you’ll find like-minded interns in your neighborhood who are also looking for a good time and some company. If not, at least you’ll know where to not explore again!
Summer internships are a great way to increase your employment skills and your future employability. Just don’t forget to have a good time during the summer. The intern experience you’ll gain is important, but it’s just as important to not burn out before the next school year even begins!
RSS Feed
