Linette Garcia | Staff Writer
Internships are at the top of every college student’s wishlist, yet they seem impossible to get. In the summer, all the pressure to secure one is overwhelming.
I can remember the first time I landed a summer internship. It was after attending the FIU career fair during the spring term. A recruiter and I hit it off and I was given an offer through their LinkedIn— it felt like I was finally getting ahead.
I didn’t realize that this was a golden moment because this summer has been radio silent.
FIU doesn’t hold its career fairs in the summer, but it does participate in a virtual statewide job fair with several other Florida universities. However, an online job fair doesn’t have the same benefits of an in-person fair where I can interact with recruiters.
I’m still applying to every intern role I can find, even if they don’t directly align with my goals. I’m half-heartedly scrolling from bed as the promise of income and real-world experience during the summer slips further away with each passing day.
The competitive nature of internships is stressful enough, but getting one in the summer when most of us are out of school adds more pressure. It feels like if I don’t get an internship with a reputable organization soon, I’ll fall behind in the race for a financially stable future.
Internships are considered a golden ticket. They are the must-have proof that are essential stepping stones to grad schools and dream jobs. And because summer is the only time many of us can work without the responsibilities of schoolwork, competition for those limited roles is even more intense.
Creating standout applications to compete with fellow students is exhausting, especially when I haven’t received enough exposure to my desired field. FIU’s resume resources gave me strong critiques and tips for my resume, but without some experience it’s almost impossible to score an offer.
To make matters worse, some of my peers have stronger networks, more resources and connections that open doors I can’t even knock on as an online student.
With so few options in this job market, it’s not worth the pressure to stress ourselves over not securing a summer internship.
We work hard through the fall and spring semesters that we deserve to rest unapologetically instead of forcing ourselves to seek grueling professional experiences. Besides, finding inner growth in vacationing is equally important as in a work setting.
Internships are important, but so is taking time for ourselves. Even if we don’t get an internship this summer, there is still time and we should remember that.
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The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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