Spring Break
OP-ED: Most internships are just façades for office work
by Lauren Katz
Forum | 9/5/06
Posted online at 1:48 AM EST on 9/5/06
Universities that have school-wide internship programs include old prestigious ones with large endowments and scores of alumni to make donations. Brandeis has neither the history nor the large reserves to fund such a program now, but perhaps one could be established for the future.
By funding some internships, the Ethics Center has the right idea, but the program needs expansion. Following the leads of other universities, Brandeis should expand its capital campaign by working toward establishing an internship endowment. Brandeis has a few donors who contribute often, but an internship endowment program would attract more donors than a new building fund already named after someone else. Just like scholarships, internship stipend recipients could learn exactly who helped fund their internship experience, further fueling relationships between students and alumni.
The Hiatt Career Center could play a key role in dispensing funds and facilitating communication between alumni in different fields and students looking for internships. Finding an internship is often like the lottery. Sometimes one can win with one application, but more often, connections and recommendations play a large role. Internships with Brandeis alumni could be funded by the relevant organizations or by endowment; either option would ensure funds were used for an internship with Brandeis' stamp of approval.
The idea of networking has been ingrained into our generation for years; less emphasis is placed on how hard one works, but instead on whom one knows. What better way is there for Brandeis to prepare students for the future than by enabling all students, regardless of major, location or economic status, the chance to work at an internship that could change their lives?
The writer is a staff member of the Justice, but is abroad.
By funding some internships, the Ethics Center has the right idea, but the program needs expansion. Following the leads of other universities, Brandeis should expand its capital campaign by working toward establishing an internship endowment. Brandeis has a few donors who contribute often, but an internship endowment program would attract more donors than a new building fund already named after someone else. Just like scholarships, internship stipend recipients could learn exactly who helped fund their internship experience, further fueling relationships between students and alumni.
The Hiatt Career Center could play a key role in dispensing funds and facilitating communication between alumni in different fields and students looking for internships. Finding an internship is often like the lottery. Sometimes one can win with one application, but more often, connections and recommendations play a large role. Internships with Brandeis alumni could be funded by the relevant organizations or by endowment; either option would ensure funds were used for an internship with Brandeis' stamp of approval.
The idea of networking has been ingrained into our generation for years; less emphasis is placed on how hard one works, but instead on whom one knows. What better way is there for Brandeis to prepare students for the future than by enabling all students, regardless of major, location or economic status, the chance to work at an internship that could change their lives?
The writer is a staff member of the Justice, but is abroad.
Be the first to comment on this story