Dear Ursula,
Ideally, it would be best for you take on any available internship, especially if it aligns with your major. However, the reality is that many students need to work in order to pay for school. Taking on a job at a department store will still give you the opportunity to build your skills that you will need for future jobs. For example, team work, customer service, attention to detail and organization, etc. However, I would like for you to consider the following:
• An internship is like an investment. Even if the internship is not paying you, the same organization may be able to offer you a paid position for the next year, which may lead to an employment opportunity once you graduate from college.
• Internships will allow you to network in your field, which will open doors for your future. It may open doors to a paid summer position.
• It is possible that your college may offer credit for internships. Check with the Architecture department.
• There are paid internships available. Check to see if there are any in the field of Architecture.
• Apply for scholarships to cover the costs that your financial aid does not cover. Talk to your financial aid counselor. Visit our website and start creating a list of scholarships you can apply to.
*** Click on
Paying for school.
*** Read about all the organizations that offer scholarships. I suggest you begin with www.fastweb.com where you can create a profile and get matched with scholarships.
*** Check out
Unconventional ways to pay for college.
• If the internship offers flexible hours, it’s possible that you can work out a schedule where you can work part-time at a paying job and still hold on to the internship.
As I mentioned before, you have still gained experience by taking on the job at the department store. However, take into consideration these points for next summer!
Please feel free to message us again.
Best of luck!
Jazmin Cameron, LIC Advisor
