By The Editorial Board
The ultimate goal to the collegiate experience is, presumably, to get a job.
One step which many undergraduates take toward making that dream a reality is to take on internships, providing on-the-job experience for students in areas of their interest at companies they aspire to join full-time upon graduation.
For many students, interning can begin as early as their sophomore year in an attempt to gain as much experience in as many different fields as possible before deciding exactly what to do with the rest of their lives.
Starting from a relatively early time can provide students with several outlets to network and build contacts in diverse companies.
People may argue that college is a time for enriching the mind with academic pursuits. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that students are spendings thousands of dollars and need to guarantee their post-college prospects — a job. In today’s competitive markets, where bachelor’s degrees are commonplace, students need a way to diversify their resumes.
The best way to do that is to gain experience through a variety of internships. Students are aware that internships are usually unpaid and can involve menial tasks such as answering the phones and making photocopies; they also realize, however, that internships have become a vital prerequisite for that first job.
Internships allow students to gain valuable insights and experience in the job market outside of school. Interning also gives students the opportunity to network with professionals in the industry they desire to work.
By allowing students to intern as early as their sophomore years, students have the extra edge with connections and understanding of the field.
In FCRH, students currently lack the ability to intern, through the school, until their junior year. On the other hand, the Gabelli School of Business has learned how invaluable the knowledge gained through internships is. By following in GSB’s footsteps, FCRH can give their students the same equal opportunity.
FCRH needs to do more to support students in their quests for internships, particularly students with liberal arts backgrounds that need time for career exploration.
A student with an English major, for example, has a lot more career choices to narrow down than someone with an accounting major. FCRH needs to allow sophomores to take internships through the college so students can explore future careers, make important contacts and build their resumes going forward.
The Dean’s Council in FCRH has expressed that it realizes school is important for students, but at the same time it believes that interning as a sophomore should be a privilege allowed to those who have proved themselves inside of the classroom. That is why the current proposal requires students to have a minimum 3.3 GPA and attend certain Career Service seminars.
We, at The Fordham Ram, believe all students, regardless of their GPAs should also be permitted to show off their skills to potential employers.
By getting themselves into the job market earlier, the students can gain valuable connections that will benefit their future careers.
