Preferred Qualifications for Interns and what they really mean:
-Undergraduate or graduate studying Economics, International
Relations, Political Science, or related majors-- undergraduates from ivy league schools only and/ or uninterested frat
boys who knows someone who knows someone will be given priority
-Flexibility and willingness to work hours needed-- must be available at least 60 hours a week,
and weekends, and don't even think about taking off holidays.
-Ability to work well with others in a 'team environment'-- must be willing to do your boss' work
without feeling exploited
-This internship is highly competitive and reserved only for
the most qualified candidates.-- Positions
are given almost solely on personal connections This is a real way to get
your foot in the door in Washington.--Little
work for this internship will be spent with anyone who will be a great value to
your future career aspirations.
-This is an unpaid internship.-- AND you're required to pay for any transportation and outside
expenditures related to the internship
-Permanent positions at this organization may be offered to
available interns after their internship, but not guaranteed and only reserved
for the most impressive candidates-- hahaha
paid job? yeah, no.
Dear Elina,
As I've been crippled by the boredom of near unemployment of
this summer hiatus, I've begun the very taxing act of looking for and applying
to internships. These days internships are a necessity for us college students who
aspire to not become homeless.
Gone are the days when working at a camp, waiting tables or, let's say, a
retirement home, are considered valid or useful work experience, even though, we
may learn just as much.
In fact my very school thinks it should be a requirement to
ground a liberal arts education (hollla, holla, Field
Work Term). Internships are kind of like our insurance for the rocky job
market. If we could just land that one coveted spot in that organization, we
would be on the right track, right?
Well, no. Not really. All this work I've been doing, you
know, trying to sort out my future and all, has got me questioning the morality
of internships for a couple of reasons.
I'm not sure if you remember, but a couple of years ago the
Obama administration was accused of waging a 'war on internships'.
This all came from an article
(and this one)
and several studies that showed that many 'interns' were actually illegally
being taken advantage of under US labor laws. The administration was literally just enforcing
the law. But as Washington so often does, political sides were quickly drawn. The
right accused Obama of hurting small businesses and violating the free market,
while the left weekly supported any action as a cheap way to get labor union
votes. But nothing really happened in the end.
Since then the debates have sizzled, mostly because students
still want to work for these organizations even if they may be unfairly
treated. Weather you believe internships are a way to exploit young people or
that they're letting young people exploit an opportunity,
there's
still something inherently questionable about internships. As internships become the newest
step in the staircase, the connection between class and educational
attainment, and , as a result, income inequality is solidifying.
Entry level jobs (and even some internships) nowadays
require, not only a four-year degree, but also graduate degrees, years of related
job experiences, special training certificates, and skills that set you apart from all the other candidates that
have all of these things. It becomes increasingly difficult for a low income
student to, on top of working their way through college, be able to support themselves
during months of unpaid help... and then graduate school. And we question why
our generation is going into so much debt? Only the wealthy or financially stupid
unwise would be able to take work in Washington for no salary because mommy and
daddy are willing to pay for rent, food, clothes, and entertainment, just like
they paid for tuition and vacations years before. Well, excuse me if I'm a
product of two blue collared jobs, yearning for a white collar career in the
near future.
On the risk of sounding too dramatic, I would say, Internships
have become the very epitome of our current society and the decline of the obtainable
American Dream. They privilege the privileged-- both the students and employers
while making it near impossible for the unknown to become known.
But holy-mother-of-god do I want still want one... just
one... that's all I need.
Until tomorrow,--- What tomorrow already? ....Oh the cruel
arm of procrastination---
- D
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