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Although Craig was disappointed that he was not allowed much time at the computer, he eventually realized that he did learn something important at his internship. Instead of gaining experience in computer programming, Craig instead gained valuable insights on dealing with difficult people in the office.
If you do not feel in your heart that your internship or your summer job is giving you as much as you had hoped, you have some options:
• If it is a short-term assignment (say three months), do your best and stick it through. At least you have gained resume experience. Meanwhile, start looking for your next opportunity.
• If it is a longer assignment and you are not being paid, then walk. But be sure to give plenty of notice and be respectful of the employer's needs. If you have the opportunity, clearly let him or her know why the experience is not meeting your expectations.
• Talk to your boss and try to work things out. The problem may be one of miscommunication, and your employer may not realize that you are unhappy. See if you can schedule a meeting with your supervisor to find a solution to the problem. It never hurts to try, and what have you got to lose?
1) Much of this publication emphasizes the value of working in more meaningful employment than flipping burgers, serving up fries and waiting tables. But let's face it: some of you are doing just that. You know that you need to get into something more beneficial, but either you are too comfortable staying where you are, you procrastinate, or perhaps you just can't work these steps into your busy schedule.
If this is the case, here's my advice: quit your menial job.
Now you have some time! Now procrastination is not so easy! Once you quit that dead-end job, re-read this chapter and the rest of this book, and get your career rolling.
2) Take an inventory of your abilities. What skill do you lack that could have a strong impact on your success in your future career? Focus on opportunities that allow you to develop that skill.
3) Talk to fellow students who have done internships or summer jobs in your field. How was the experience for them? What would they recommend? What would they avoid ? Who do they know?
4) Review the directories mentioned in this chapter and in appendix 3. Get a directory from your local Chamber of Commerce. After reading these, have you found any companies at which you would like to intern orwork for the summer? See if the companies list their programs at your college career office.
Read what's available, and make a resolution to continue reading. You'll be astounded at all the opportunities waiting for you.
