Internships can range from a simple study to a full-time job. It is important, if one is thinking of pursuing an internship, to see what kind of time commitment they will have, and to weigh their options if given the chance. Although an internship may seem to be absolutely perfect for your interests and your schedule, it is important to weigh out different circumstances that may arise and how that would affect their duties.
Following my meeting with Dr. Bubriski, I obtained the information needed to better format my schedule in the upcoming summer months to allow myself to complete the tasks delegated to me in a timely fashion. My class schedule I had set up at the time, along with the various social clubs and events that had been scheduled, fit perfectly with my internship duties, as there was no set time for me to work (example being an internship that is from 9am to 5pm).
However, what I had not calculated was the response from a potential employer informing me that I had been accepted for a part-time position in an environment I would like to pursue after graduation. Outdoor education was not something I would’ve thought of using my history degree to pursue, but after working in that area for a while, I realized that it is something a thoroughly enjoy. Part of my goal this summer and this upcoming fall will be to figure out how exactly this could turn into a long-term career.
This newfound interest, which also happens to pay me for my time, is not without its caveats. One of which is that fact that it slows down my ability to complete my internship duties. Now, I am not saying that they cannot be completed, they absolutely can. It is simply harder to delegate as much time as I had been in the beginning.
Luckily, Dr. Bubriski and Dr. Cassanello have been extremely patient, and understand that life sometimes gets in the way. Even though I have not communicated my situation with them, they are confident enough in me to allow me to work at my own pace, ensuring quality over quantity.
The theme for this week, in a few words, can be described as “unforeseen circumstances,” as there have been MANY which had come about.
This post is not to sway anyone away from getting an internship. Rather, it is to highlight the importance of trying new things. After all, those who try nothing new are those who are stuck within themselves. If it weren’t for this internship, I would not have figured out that I love public history, but not digital archival work. If I had not gone out for a job which I had no experience in, I would not have figured out that I absolutely love facilitating outdoor education.
Next week, I think I will attempt to detail how a day in my life may look like, as well as how it varies from day to day. I can wholeheartedly say with the upmost confidence that I never have the same day twice, which will make that post a fun challenge.
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