Spring Break
In internships, think of the experience, not the big name
Taylor Trudon
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: Commentary
While most people may see the recent warm weather, fluffy cumulus clouds and the sweet smell of freshly cut grass as a summer tease, others do not. Yes, summer is soon approaching, indicating those much-anticipated days filled with lounging by the pool, two for $5 Old Navy flip flops and Coppertone. But instead of visions of sugarplum fairies with Pina Coladas floating through my dreams at night, visions of Starbucks lattes and photocopying have dominated my R.E.M. cycle for the past several weeks. Admittedly, this is my own fault as I have been staying up until the wee morning hours amid the glow of my computer monitor with Diet Coke in close reach, immersed in the epic search of the perfect summer internship.
As an intern rookie, I definitely have my own fantasy of what an internship is like, which is a direct result from viewing "The Devil Wears Prada" one too many times. This includes fabulous shoes, unlimited access to the infamous Closet, and a fire-breathing, yet glamorous boss who I will be preparing a breakfast of egg whites and salmon for every morning. But in all seriousness, aside from the stereotypical image of interns in the magazine industry, in reality, being an intern isn't as glamorous as Hollywood movies and television shows such as "Running in Heels" depict.
The fact of the matter is, interns sit at the bottom of the totem pole, within the realm of photocopiers and fax machines. And while I'm completely for working one's way up to the top and climbing the ranks of the corporate hierarchy, it makes me wonder if completing an internship is just one of those necessary evils of so-called "gaining experience."
Because really, isn't the whole point of having an internship to gain experience? However, it seems like it is difficult to measure the value of one's experience if the extent of their intern duties is fact-checking and counting the "436 Hot New Looks" to ensure that there are truly 436 and not 435. Of course it is a tedious task, but somebody has to do it, and that's where the unpaid labor comes in.
As an intern rookie, I definitely have my own fantasy of what an internship is like, which is a direct result from viewing "The Devil Wears Prada" one too many times. This includes fabulous shoes, unlimited access to the infamous Closet, and a fire-breathing, yet glamorous boss who I will be preparing a breakfast of egg whites and salmon for every morning. But in all seriousness, aside from the stereotypical image of interns in the magazine industry, in reality, being an intern isn't as glamorous as Hollywood movies and television shows such as "Running in Heels" depict.
The fact of the matter is, interns sit at the bottom of the totem pole, within the realm of photocopiers and fax machines. And while I'm completely for working one's way up to the top and climbing the ranks of the corporate hierarchy, it makes me wonder if completing an internship is just one of those necessary evils of so-called "gaining experience."
Because really, isn't the whole point of having an internship to gain experience? However, it seems like it is difficult to measure the value of one's experience if the extent of their intern duties is fact-checking and counting the "436 Hot New Looks" to ensure that there are truly 436 and not 435. Of course it is a tedious task, but somebody has to do it, and that's where the unpaid labor comes in.
Be the first to comment on this story