The career and life lessons learned from not finding an internship
Didn’t find an internship this summer? Choosing money over low-paying career experience? That job you may be dreading will actually teach you important skills to not only put on your resume, but to use in your daily life.
Last spring, I stressed for months trying to find a job or internship that would in any way relate to my future goals as a Journalism and Strategic Communication student, but I was not successful. I eventually found work through Wisconsin Public Service driving around my hometown surveying gas meters.
This was not the fancy internship I had hoped for and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed or feeling pressure to work a job that would “help me more” in the future. I had never seen myself working a utilities job and I wasn’t sure how that would look on my resume or if I would even put it on my resume at all.
But over the summer months, I came to realize that I was not working a mindless job, but actually gaining experience that would matter in the future. The experience I gained was not only the cliche “teamwork and communication” experience, although I did gain experience in these areas as well.
As I drove around small towns and talked with homeowners who were weary of a random girl in a yellow vest walking around their yard, I gained a newfound appreciation for my hometown and reflected on my goals.
I had so much to be grateful for. I got to live with my family. I worked at my own pace and spent my days outside in the warm summer months. I had a consistent schedule and a good pay check. I had time to have fun outside of work.
Yet I still spent the better part of June still wishing I was somewhere else before the job taught me to appreciate where I was. I felt so much pressure to work toward my career at the fastest pace possible that I didn’t even notice that what I saw as a setback was actually an important part of my character development and professional journey.
Professionally, I learned I value human connection and variety in my work and I expanded my horizons for potential future work opportunities. Before this job, I likely would not have considered applying for a communications job within a company or industry I was unfamiliar with. I now feel confident that I can not only adapt to any industry, but excel in it.
Personally, I was reminded of the importance of a strong work-life balance. My job did not define my summer and I was grateful for the time I was able to spend with my loved ones without worrying about work. I had time to pursue my hobbies and reflect on my goals, rather than forging ahead in a career path I wasn’t certain I liked. I now feel more secure in my career goals in a way that I would not have without the time to consider my choices.
If you are starting a job that you are not necessarily excited about this summer or that you feel will not help your resume, treat the job as a time to reflect on your goals and values. You may not enjoy the experience, but that will only bring you increased appreciation for the career you are pursuing.
If you start a job with an open mindset, at the very least, you will have a wealth of random knowledge that you can use to impress your friends, and at best, you will gain experience in a new field that may expand your potential career opportunities.
Summer does not have to be a time of stress or envy surrounding working. Instead, it can be a moment to slow down and appreciate what you have and the opportunities that lay ahead, but only if you take an active role in finding lessons in unexpected places.