Grad School: Graduation vs. Really Good Internship

VisionOfClarity

So I'm facing an interesting choice I didn't think was a possibility and now it's looking like a good one.

With my current plan I walk in May, finish up this summer and start job hunting now for my 'real job' to start in May/June.

However, my boss/professor/mentor just informed me that a summer fellowship in DC is looking for people and she was surprised I hadn't applied. Frankly, I'm a great student but didn't think I was what they were looking for. It turns out I'm exactly what one of my State Reps is looking for, a bright MPA student with a good grasp on stats and finance, and my department thinks I have a good shot at the position.

I don't want to apply if I'm not going to take the position. Taking the position means subletting my Boston apt, finding a place to live in DC, leaving my life in Boston behind for 3 months (aka my comfort zone), and waiting to finish my MPA until the fall.

I'm not concerned about money as this is a paid fellowship ($5000) and this would look incredible on my resume and would allow me to network my ass off. I'm just very nervous about this as it's such a divergence from the plan I've had for the last 18 months.

I'm just not sure that if I am offered this position I should take it, and from what I've been told there is a good chance if I apply I'll get it.

HK5

If your boss/professor/mentor thinks it's a good idea I wouldn't let a little thing like a life plan get in the way of a real opportunity. Go for it and enjoy the chance to mix it up a little.

witch_ie

As you mentioned, it's a really good opportunity for you do some networking. Getting a good job after graduate school isn't so much what you know, but who you know in my experience. I think you should apply and take the position if offered it. Since you said finances aren't an issue, taking another semester to finish school shouldn't be a problem. Also, without the contacts you'll be making in the fellowship, you could end up job hunting just as long after you graduate.

If you're worried about the comfort zone issue, don't. It's a great and safe opportunity for you to spread your wings. You know it will only be for three months, so if you hate it, at least you learned that you don't like DC. Chances are, you'll have a great experience overall though.

VisionOfClarity

There would be 5 other fellows from my school, and typically we tend to live together or near each other so that helps. I would be bummed about leaving my boyfriend in MA and I'd have to ship my rabbit and cat off to my mom's in PA as I wouldn't want to worry about finding housing that allows pets as finding housing in DC is hard enough.

Thanatos

It sounds like a great opportunity, and anything that puts off your graduation in favor of networking and money is a good thing in this job market. Plus you're young, relatively single (i.e. not married), and have nothing really tying you down (other than the subletting thing, but fuck, it's an apartment in Boston, it can't be that hard). You should jump on that shit.

Corvus

I would jump on the internship. I'm not seeing any thing in your post besides some minor logistical hurdles that indicates you aren't interested in it, so don't make those into excuses not to apply. Its a three month thing, not a permanent move. Three months shouldn't be a big deal for your relationship with your BF either. Boston to DC isn't that a big deal in terms of long-distance relationships, but I'm saying that as someone who carried one on for two years being four time zones apart.

Seriously though, you're doing a Masters in Public Administration right? Why would you pass up spending the first summer of the new administration in DC if you have a chance to go and get some experience and awesome networking? I'm not even an American, but I can't imagine anywhere better to be for someone in your subject area this summer.

All your concerns are minor IMO, and relatively easily handled. Don't get tunnel-vision here and feel like you have to stick on the plan when there's an awesome opportunity right there.

cloudeagle

Thanatos wrote: »

It sounds like a great opportunity, and anything that puts off your graduation in favor of networking and money is a good thing in this job market. Plus you're young, relatively single (i.e. not married), and have nothing really tying you down (other than the subletting thing, but fuck, it's an apartment in Boston, it can't be that hard). You should jump on that shit.

Can't say it any better than that. Yes, it gets you out of your comfort zone, but holy sweet Jesus it sounds like a fantastic opportunity, especially now.

SanderJK

I would definitely go for the internship. Not only will it look good on your resume, internships quite often result into jobs. And even a temporary job in your respective field is a great boost both for finding better jobs later on, and a possible bit of security just after graduation.

I'm not fully aware of the US system, but how would this effect your tuition? Would you have to pay for another full year, or for the period in the new year where you are graduating, or is there no extra cost involved?

Sentry

Internship. Hands down. No question whatsoever.

Lord Malory

Internship. I had a big-time internship with a world-renown organization in my field. I also have a master's degree. I delayed getting my Master's by taking that summer internship instead of a local one with less prominence during the spring (im taking this year - I got my M.A. in December 2008).

I didn't have a great time at my internship, but the people that i networked with, PLUS that on my resume, is the largest reason I got the job. I'm good friends with the person who hired me now, and he said my internship and recommendations were the number one reason(s) I got the job (as opposed to my YEARS of relevant experience).

Take the internship. It will suck some - your leaving your comfort zone, you will have variable finances (even though its paid, its a different city and much more out of your control - prepare for the unexpected). You are also leaving YOUR apartment and loved ones. But it will be worth it. Especially if you are working with an elected representative in Washington, now is the time to be in DC.

Good luck. Also, Boston is just a train ride away. I went to NYC from New Orleans. Not fun. You'll be fine.

VisionOfClarity

Thanatos wrote: »

(other than the subletting thing, but fuck, it's an apartment in Boston, it can't be that hard).

I live in a pretty crappy apt so there is a chance that I might have to take a hit on the rent for subletting. I'm also one of a million students with apts who want to sublet in the summer months when students tend to leave the city and few in the dorms stick around so there's a lot of competition. That and I'll have to find a new roomie for the fall from afar or find a new apt for 9/1. It's not impossible, it's just a pain in the ass. However, my roomie might want to go abroad this summer and if we sublet the whole apt we stand to make a profit.


My biggest concern is I went straight from undergrad to grad and to be frank I'm ready to finish. That being said, I'll be part-time in the fall and could be working a full-time job then as well.

Kalkino

There is a recession - anything you can do to make yourself look better, which this internship will, you should do. There will be a bunch of graduates out in the market later on so you need to take this kind of opportunity when offered

Corvus

VisionOfClarity wrote: »

Thanatos wrote: »

(other than the subletting thing, but fuck, it's an apartment in Boston, it can't be that hard).

I live in a pretty crappy apt so there is a chance that I might have to take a hit on the rent for subletting. I'm also one of a million students with apts who want to sublet in the summer months when students tend to leave the city and few in the dorms stick around so there's a lot of competition. That and I'll have to find a new roomie for the fall from afar or find a new apt for 9/1. It's not impossible, it's just a pain in the ass. However, my roomie might want to go abroad this summer and if we sublet the whole apt we stand to make a profit.


My biggest concern is I went straight from undergrad to grad and to be frank I'm ready to finish. That being said, I'll be part-time in the fall and could be working a full-time job then as well.

I know what burn out is like academically, but sit down and think about what this internship could do for your long term prospects. It really sounds like a phenomenal opportunity that could give you contacts and experience that will benefit you for literally the rest of your life.

VisionOfClarity

I have this fear of failure with this too. I'm worried I'll go down there and fuck up. And right now I'm big fish/small pond. I know down there things will be much different and I'm worried about that as well. But I think I'm going to apply anyway.

Thylacine

VisionOfClarity wrote: »

I have this fear of failure with this too. I'm worried I'll go down there and fuck up. And right now I'm big fish/small pond. I know down there things will be much different and I'm worried about that as well. But I think I'm going to apply anyway.

Bah, that's a silly worry. You're going there to LEARN. If you knew everything you wouldn't be an intern!

I just got an internship too, and I applied for it because my teacher was like "Why didn't you apply for this? You'd be perfect! You have one more day, go apply!" so I did without thinking about it much...and I got it! Now I am in my senior year, with some really busy classes, as well as having to work and now an internship on top of everything...but it'll be worth it. I wish mine was paid like yours.

Pushing back graduating a semester isn't that long, and you said you needed a break. The internship will be a break from the whole classes and studying grind of school, so maybe you'll feel refreshed afterwards and had enough of a rest to finish up your last semester without just wanting to 'get it over with'.

Ioga

Definitely go for the internship. Classes come and go, but experience is always necessary and really gets you ahead.

Shadowrunner

When I was in College, I did two semester + summer internships at the company that ultimately offered me a job after graduation. It delayed my graduation by about a year, but it was easily one of the best decisions I ever made. Definitely go for the internship.

Smug Duckling

All I can offer is that internships have easily been the most valuable part of my education so far.

kaliyama

Do it - there will be more opportunities now in the next 6 months or so as administration/fed gov't positions get filled and the vacancies trickle down from the state level as people get promoted up. I am confused when you say "State Rep" though - do you mean a Congressman or Senator from your state, or do you mean a representative at the state level? I assume the former if it's in DC.

VisionOfClarity

Ah it's one of four of our MA reps in Congress, the only reps we get placed with are from our MA delegation because that's where we have the connections and the fellowship was started in the memory of a former MA rep. Not all delegation members participate (John Kerry doesn't take a fellow from this program).

I could get placed with Senator Ted Kennedy's office (if he stays that long poor guy), Rep. Nicki Tsongas's, Rep. John Tierney's or Rep Steven Lynch's. There are also a couple of nonprofits where students will be placed but as I can't stand nonprofit finance and budgeting so it is unlikely I would end up there when most of the students in my program would prefer a nonprofit.

Aoi Tsuki

If your situation is fear of failure, roommate inconvenience, and some monetary hassle for subletting...versus an invaluable resume-builder, solid experience in your field, $5,000, networking, and (frankly) a chance to avoid the "real" job market for as long as possible...

Shit. Take the internship. I definitely understand wanting to get the hell done with school, and the uncertainty of changing solidly established plans in favor of something drastically different, but odds are excellent you'll be kicking yourself for missing out on this.

supabeast

DO IT. I know dozens of people who built their careers on a summer gig here in DC. Political summer jobs can be the foundation for a lifetime of sweet desk jobs, from PR flacks to uber-lawyers.

Endomatic

If our roles were switched, I'd do it so fast. You should too.

clsCorwin

Thanatos wrote: »

It sounds like a great opportunity, and anything that puts off your graduation in favor of networking and money is a good thing in this job market. Plus you're young, relatively single (i.e. not married), and have nothing really tying you down (other than the subletting thing, but fuck, it's an apartment in Boston, it can't be that hard). You should jump on that shit.