Recently, an article was published by Sue Shellenbarger in the Wall Street Journal titled, “Do You Want An Internship? It’ll Cost You”. We would like to add our perspective to this discussion on internships.
First and foremost, what does an internship mean to you? Is there a definition or experience that defines an internship? Think Intern founded InternNYC understanding that an internship is different for everyone. One of the coolest parts of running this company is the opportunity to discuss with so many people the goals and expectations they have in coming to New York to intern.
Some of the internships we offer are paid, most are unpaid. But it’s not about that. An internship has simply become part of one’s education. There is no doubt a worthy debate over the “need” for a student to have an internship and the financial burden that has become our education system. However, there is a lot of confusion in regards to the concept of “paying to work”. One would not pay to work at McDonalds, however, someone very well might pay to educate themselves on what it’s like to work in the music industry. Paying for education, whether in the form of a classroom lecture or a hands-on field experience, is a reality of our society.
In our program, all of our students receive college credits for their internships. Many students are able to graduate early and save on their tuition bills by receiving credits for applying their course work in the workplace. Internships provide students dan experience in a career that breaks the confines of the typical “day job” or part time job that many Americans have. It’s an educational lagniappe that allows you to test your knowledge in the real world, outside of the classroom.
Another key element in exploring our company is in the relationships we have with employers. The assumption that an employer should take on the task of hiring and recruiting interns does not accurately represent the majority of the companies we work with. Many small and medium sized businesses have little interest or the necessary resources to take the time to accept applications, interview, and hire interns. For many employers, an internship program isn’t really for them (though few of them complain about having extra help in the office ☺), it’s for the student.
Our company is about educational growth. Not job placement. I very much look forward to the mainstream acceptance of the educational value in internships.
This is an exciting week for us with the launch of www.thinkintern.com just days away. Please check back early next week for the official launch and help us spread the word; the newest, coolest, free-est resource for internship opportunities nationwide is almost here!
