3 answers
Sanya
Student
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
5
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I got into the StandOut Connect program this year and I applied because I heard it was a very competitive thing. However, they are asking for $2000 for the 4 month program. They would give me internships with alumni from top colleges after graduation but i don’t know if it’s worth it?
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3 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
364
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Sanya. I have not heard of this program before, which may say something because I have been advising high-achieving students on college admissions for close to 20 years. Plus, the Polsky Center doesn't mention this program at all (see link below). If StandOut Connect is so prestigious, wouldn't the University of Chicago continue to take some credit?
Also, the College Confidential thread (see link below) raises some good points, such as:
- if you are providing valuable input to companies, why are you paying for this program? Shouldn't you be paid?
- how meaningful an experience and how deep could relationships be from an online-only internship?
Note that there is a free database of high school internships from Standout (see link below). That may provide the assistance you find a meaningful internship experience on your own.
That said, see If you are offered the internship, if you are offered a scholarship, and what other opportunities you identify. You and your parents will make the right decision. Good luck!
University of Chicago Polsky Center - https://polsky.uchicago.edu/programs-events/
Internship database - https://www.linkedin.com/company/standout-search-standout-connect/about/
College Confidential - https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/is-standout-connect-legit/3656165
Also, the College Confidential thread (see link below) raises some good points, such as:
- if you are providing valuable input to companies, why are you paying for this program? Shouldn't you be paid?
- how meaningful an experience and how deep could relationships be from an online-only internship?
Note that there is a free database of high school internships from Standout (see link below). That may provide the assistance you find a meaningful internship experience on your own.
That said, see If you are offered the internship, if you are offered a scholarship, and what other opportunities you identify. You and your parents will make the right decision. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6880
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Sanya!
Evaluating the Worth of the StandOut Connect Program
1. Understanding the Program Structure and Benefits
The StandOut Connect program is designed to provide participants with networking opportunities, mentorship, and potential internships with alumni from prestigious colleges. The program spans four months and requires a financial commitment of $2000. When evaluating whether this investment is worthwhile, it is essential to consider several factors:
Networking Opportunities: One of the primary benefits of programs like StandOut Connect is the chance to connect with industry professionals and alumni who can provide guidance, mentorship, and potentially job opportunities after graduation. Networking can be crucial in today’s job market, especially for recent graduates.
Internship Placement: The promise of internships with alumni from top colleges can significantly enhance your resume and practical experience. Internships are often a stepping stone to full-time employment, making this aspect particularly valuable.
Skill Development: Many programs offer workshops or training sessions that help participants develop essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication. These skills are vital for career advancement.
2. Financial Considerations
Investing $2000 in a program requires careful consideration of your current financial situation and potential return on investment (ROI):
Cost vs. Potential Earnings: Assess how much you might earn post-graduation with the help of this program compared to your current earning potential without it. If the internships lead to high-paying jobs or valuable connections that could facilitate employment, the investment may pay off.
Alternative Options: Research other similar programs or resources available at your college or online that may offer comparable benefits at a lower cost or even for free.
3. Program Reputation and Alumni Success
Investigate the reputation of the StandOut Connect program:
Alumni Feedback: Look for reviews or testimonials from past participants regarding their experiences in the program and how it impacted their careers.
Success Stories: Check if there are documented success stories of alumni who have secured significant positions after completing the program. This information can provide insight into its effectiveness.
4. Personal Goals and Career Aspirations
Consider your own career goals:
Alignment with Career Path: Determine if the industries represented by alumni in this program align with your career aspirations. If they do not match your interests or desired field, it may not be worth pursuing.
Commitment Level: Reflect on whether you are ready to commit time and effort to fully engage in what the program offers. Active participation can significantly enhance your experience.
In conclusion, deciding whether to invest in the StandOut Connect program involves weighing its networking opportunities, internship placements, skill development against its cost while considering personal career goals and alternatives available to you.
Based on these considerations, if you believe that networking opportunities and internships will significantly enhance your employability post-graduation relative to other options available to you, then participating in this program could be considered worthwhile.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides research-based insights into career readiness initiatives for students including internship statistics which highlight their importance in securing employment post-graduation.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries which helps assess potential earnings related to educational investments like those made through programs such as StandOut Connect.
3. College Career Services Offices Reports
Many universities publish reports on student outcomes related to internships and networking events which can provide context about how effective such programs are in enhancing job prospects for graduates.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Evaluating the Worth of the StandOut Connect Program
1. Understanding the Program Structure and Benefits
The StandOut Connect program is designed to provide participants with networking opportunities, mentorship, and potential internships with alumni from prestigious colleges. The program spans four months and requires a financial commitment of $2000. When evaluating whether this investment is worthwhile, it is essential to consider several factors:
Networking Opportunities: One of the primary benefits of programs like StandOut Connect is the chance to connect with industry professionals and alumni who can provide guidance, mentorship, and potentially job opportunities after graduation. Networking can be crucial in today’s job market, especially for recent graduates.
Internship Placement: The promise of internships with alumni from top colleges can significantly enhance your resume and practical experience. Internships are often a stepping stone to full-time employment, making this aspect particularly valuable.
Skill Development: Many programs offer workshops or training sessions that help participants develop essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication. These skills are vital for career advancement.
2. Financial Considerations
Investing $2000 in a program requires careful consideration of your current financial situation and potential return on investment (ROI):
Cost vs. Potential Earnings: Assess how much you might earn post-graduation with the help of this program compared to your current earning potential without it. If the internships lead to high-paying jobs or valuable connections that could facilitate employment, the investment may pay off.
Alternative Options: Research other similar programs or resources available at your college or online that may offer comparable benefits at a lower cost or even for free.
3. Program Reputation and Alumni Success
Investigate the reputation of the StandOut Connect program:
Alumni Feedback: Look for reviews or testimonials from past participants regarding their experiences in the program and how it impacted their careers.
Success Stories: Check if there are documented success stories of alumni who have secured significant positions after completing the program. This information can provide insight into its effectiveness.
4. Personal Goals and Career Aspirations
Consider your own career goals:
Alignment with Career Path: Determine if the industries represented by alumni in this program align with your career aspirations. If they do not match your interests or desired field, it may not be worth pursuing.
Commitment Level: Reflect on whether you are ready to commit time and effort to fully engage in what the program offers. Active participation can significantly enhance your experience.
In conclusion, deciding whether to invest in the StandOut Connect program involves weighing its networking opportunities, internship placements, skill development against its cost while considering personal career goals and alternatives available to you.
Based on these considerations, if you believe that networking opportunities and internships will significantly enhance your employability post-graduation relative to other options available to you, then participating in this program could be considered worthwhile.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides research-based insights into career readiness initiatives for students including internship statistics which highlight their importance in securing employment post-graduation.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries which helps assess potential earnings related to educational investments like those made through programs such as StandOut Connect.
3. College Career Services Offices Reports
Many universities publish reports on student outcomes related to internships and networking events which can provide context about how effective such programs are in enhancing job prospects for graduates.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
2004
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sanya !
There are a few ways for you, as a high school student with little or no experience, to gain beneficial experiences in your field of interest without paying for it and without relying on the remote virtual only Stand Out Connect Program.
The Stand Out Connect Program is not competitive since you can do it if you pay the money you said they are asking for. It is a new thing, established only 4 years ago by students. My advice is that this may be useful and affordable for some students who do not care to get a fully integrated experience working with real people in real offices or work environments, but I would advise you to not do it, rather do an in person volunteer work project. You can get an Internship later on in college - one that you won't have to pay for.
My first suggestion is to visit your local Chamber of Commerce and explain that you are offering to be a volunteer at a business connected to your interest. Also go to your local public Library. Doing things in person will help you develop communication and presentational skills and people will remember you. Also ask a teacher that teaches a subject connected to your interest if they know of places to do volunteer work. Volunteering will teach you A LOT - about your career, about other people and about yourself.
If one of your parents is in the field of work that you want to go into, ask if you can spend a day at work with them if their manager approves. Another way to get a head start in your field of interest is to talk with your guidance counselor about Dual Enrollment which is taking a college course at a community college while you are in high school - and it's free.
With a bit of searching online, footwork and persistence, you will find a valuable real life volunteer experience to learn and have hands on interaction in your field. This is the best, sound advice I can give you.
Best wishes in all you do !
There are a few ways for you, as a high school student with little or no experience, to gain beneficial experiences in your field of interest without paying for it and without relying on the remote virtual only Stand Out Connect Program.
The Stand Out Connect Program is not competitive since you can do it if you pay the money you said they are asking for. It is a new thing, established only 4 years ago by students. My advice is that this may be useful and affordable for some students who do not care to get a fully integrated experience working with real people in real offices or work environments, but I would advise you to not do it, rather do an in person volunteer work project. You can get an Internship later on in college - one that you won't have to pay for.
My first suggestion is to visit your local Chamber of Commerce and explain that you are offering to be a volunteer at a business connected to your interest. Also go to your local public Library. Doing things in person will help you develop communication and presentational skills and people will remember you. Also ask a teacher that teaches a subject connected to your interest if they know of places to do volunteer work. Volunteering will teach you A LOT - about your career, about other people and about yourself.
If one of your parents is in the field of work that you want to go into, ask if you can spend a day at work with them if their manager approves. Another way to get a head start in your field of interest is to talk with your guidance counselor about Dual Enrollment which is taking a college course at a community college while you are in high school - and it's free.
With a bit of searching online, footwork and persistence, you will find a valuable real life volunteer experience to learn and have hands on interaction in your field. This is the best, sound advice I can give you.
Best wishes in all you do !