Will college pay off in the end if I can’t land an internship? Feeling stuck and lost. Advice wanted!
Hi there! I am feeling lost. I am a first generation student and I had a rocky start. I graduated in 2020, I am 23 now. I will graduate before I turn 25 & it makes me feel like a loser. I still live at home with my family and it’s hard seeing my friends go into trades or work full time having not pursed college. My boyfriend is in trades and is currently making 100k at 23 and I’m still in school full time. When I first started school, I did part time classes at my local community college while I worked full time. I started off wanting to work at a vet clinic and I did for awhile and still love the field I just found that techs don’t get paid much for the work they do and I didn’t want to go to school to be a veterinarian. Anyway, after some thought I changed my major to business admin with a concentration in HR. I did this because a lot of the things I was interested in are counseling and social work but they required a masters degree and I wanted to get into the work field sooner to figure out what I gravitated towards and if it even would be worth pursuing a masters. I thought HR would give me the opportunity to help others in some way but the more I look into it the more I have no clue if this field is for me. I also found that alot of people have different majors and get into the HR field or do not have a degree at all. I feel like it would suck the empathy from me having to work for the business rather then the employees. I’m a very empathic person and care alot about others. But I also would love a job that doesn’t necessarily deal with people all the time at the same time. I feel stuck.I am now a junior and I have about 3 semesters left. I have looked at the job market and realize that many entry level jobs require 1-3 years of experience. I feel doomed because I can’t land a single internship and time is running out for the summer. I have a job as a sales associate right now and feel comfortable talking to customers but feel like anxiety overwhelms me outside of my work environment.I am very introverted and shy and this remote setting is definitely not helping my mental state or social skills. I have tried to land an HR internship but I can’t for the life of me pass the final round of interviews. I’ve interviewed with 10 companies, made it to the final round(3 interviews) just to be rejected. I am not sure what I’m doing wrong or how I can improve. I am getting burnt out and school started again and I can barley concentrate on my studies Bc I’m too worried about finding work after graduating. I feel severely depressed and all I want to do is sleep. I feel that it is increasingly challenging especially being a remote non traditional student to network myself and I have found that a lot of people get internships through people they know. I am also comparing myself to other students who can go to campus, seeing them get internships and they’re much younger than me. The majors I can switch to are finance, accounting and marketing and won’t push me back further from graduating. However, I really don’t have any interest in any of those things besides finance and a bit of digital marketing. Also really don’t want to take all my finance courses my senior year at the same time because I feel that would set me up for failure. My real passion is animals and counseling and I feel like I’m just wasting my time when I could be working full time and gaining experience. I even declined an assistant manager position because I couldn’t commit to a full time schedule with my courseload at the moment. So, I am just wondering: am I wasting my time for an expensive piece of paper? Will my degree even be worth it in the end even if I can’t land an internship? Will I be stuck pursing a career in hr with my business admin concentration in HR? Is it possible to one day get my masters in counseling and truly help people? Can you provide any tips for dealing with the remote setting? Is it possible to volunteer somewhere to gain exposure to administrative duties? I can’t seem to find any jobs that don’t require 1 year of experience in an office or administrative role. Are there any other options for careers like one year programs that I can look into? My brain is all over the place and I would love any advice!
4 answers
Michelle’s Answer
Thank you very much for coming here to express your concerns. Everything that you've expressed is valid and important so I would like to give you some advice to think about. You have been very clear in expressing yourself and that is a good start.
Definitely by all means finish your Bachelors Degree. Don't worry about your age. My own mother started on site college at the age of 40 and she had a great career in Elementary Education with a specialty in Art. Age will not matter and you are still young. A Degree in Business Administration can open a variety of opportunities. You can do it if you don't compare yourself with other people.
There are two things I can suggest that can be considered based on what you've expressed and you can do them with a degree in Business Administration. The first one is good, probably doable and my first recommendation. The second one can be a quick training and certification, but will cost a lot to promote yourself. All in all, any suggestions may help as you sift through choices you need to make.
First, I think you'd make a great social service Case Manager. Although it can be hectic and challenging, this is where you really get to help people. Many social service privately run offices and programs are very open to whatever your degree is in, but they like for applicants to have a Bachelors Degree. And when it comes to age, people in their 40's and 50's are able to obtain positions in this field. If your heart is in it, you can make a satisfying career out of it and it provides professional growth opportunities, too.
The other possibility I was thinking of is Life Coaching. The Life Coach Training Institute in Arroyo Grande, CA has a remote training and certification that doesn't cost much and doesn't take long to complete. Do a search for their website and they also have a channel on You Tube. There are two drawbacks - you have to advertise and be listed in directories to get clients. Secondly, many areas of the United States do not use Life Coaches which poses issues to try to do it locally. You can do it remotely if your area does not use Life Coaches. This is a career that you can help people in and your degree in Business would be an asset in starting your Life Coaching business at which you can make your own hours for remote work.
So, these are just ideas that may be considerations. Explore all possibilities. I wish you all the best ! You are amazing !
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
It sounds like you're going through a really tough time, and it's completely understandable to feel lost and discouraged. You're not alone in these feelings. Many students, especially first-generation students, face similar challenges.
Here's a breakdown of your concerns and some potential solutions:
1. Career Path Uncertainty:
Explore Your Interests: You mentioned a passion for animals and counseling. Have you considered exploring these areas further?
Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities at animal shelters, rescues, or non-profit organizations related to mental health.
Shadowing: Shadow a counselor, therapist, or veterinarian to gain firsthand experience.
Informational Interviews: Schedule informational interviews with professionals in fields that interest you (animal behaviorists, social workers, etc.).
Re-evaluate Your Major: If HR isn't the right fit, don't be afraid to switch. Consider exploring options like:
Psychology: If you're truly passionate about counseling, pursuing a psychology degree could be a good option.
Animal Science: If your interest in animals is strong, this could be a rewarding path.
Human-Animal Interaction: This field explores the relationship between humans and animals and may be a good fit for your interests.
2. Internship Challenges:
Refine Your Interview Skills:
Practice: Practice answering common interview questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this position?" "Describe a time you faced a challenge").
Mock Interviews: Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to conduct mock interviews to help you prepare.
Analyze Feedback: After each interview, reflect on your performance. What went well? What could you improve?
Expand Your Network:
LinkedIn: Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in your field of interest.
Career Fairs: Attend virtual or in-person career fairs to network with potential employers.
Informational Interviews: Use informational interviews to build relationships with professionals in your field and learn about potential internship opportunities.
Consider Alternative Experience:
Freelance work: Explore freelance opportunities related to your interests (e.g., writing, editing, social media management).
Personal projects: Start a personal project that demonstrates your skills and interests (e.g., creating a website, starting a blog, volunteering at an animal shelter).
3. Addressing Remote Learning Challenges:
Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a specific area in your home for studying and working.
Maintain a Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and exercise.
Connect with Others: Join online study groups or participate in virtual social events to connect with other students.
Utilize University Resources: Take advantage of online tutoring services, career counseling, and mental health support offered by your university.
4. Addressing Your Concerns:
Value of a College Degree: While a college degree is not always a guarantee of a high-paying job, it can provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities. It can also open doors to further education and career advancement.
Your Time is Not Wasted: You've gained valuable skills and knowledge during your time in college. These skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, are transferable to many different careers.
5. Seeking Support:
Therapy: Continue to utilize your therapist as a resource.
Career Counseling: Schedule an appointment with a career counselor at your university. They can provide personalized guidance and support with your career exploration and job search.
Family and Friends: Talk to your family and friends about your concerns and frustrations.
Remember:
Be patient with yourself. Finding your career path takes time.
Don't give up. Keep exploring your options and pursuing your goals, even when it feels challenging.
Focus on your well-being. Prioritize your mental and physical health.
Celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledge and appreciate your progress, no matter how small.
It's important to remember that your journey is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Explore your options, experiment, and don't be afraid to make adjustments along the way. You have the potential to achieve your goals.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss these ideas in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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John’s Answer
The answer to your question is: YES. College will pay off - and in more ways than you think.
1. People with college degrees have a higher earning potential than those without degrees - even if the work you go into is not related to your degree.
2. Undergraduate degrees in college is mostly about learning time management skills. These skills will help you regardless of what you do afterwards.
3. Most of the jobs you will get in life will come to you through people you know. College is the BEST opportunity to network with as many diverse people who are likely to be in successful careers as you possible can. Make those connections with people who have shared interests while it's easy!
4. Why wait to start getting experience? There are many businesses who would benefit from having help with office administration - even if it's only part time while you're taking classes. Having experience before you graduate will give you a leg up once you are looking for paid positions.
5. College is fun and allows you to explore all of your diverse interests. Soak up as much as you can and just focus on being a good student.
I know it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you don't get much reward for all your hard work while you're there. Rest assured, you are building skills that will be valuable to the world. Don't worry about what will happen after college until you get there. Even if you completely change career paths 10, 20 or 30 years down the road, all of your college experience will still be beneficial.
Keep in mind that you, your success, and your value are not defined by what you do for work or how much money you make. Enjoy the ride!
All the best,
-John
Quantise’s Answer
Before you move ahead, set aside some time to examine yourself. Ask yourself, what is my passions in life. What can I seem myself doing for the next 50 years. What career will bring me the most joy? What career fits my values and personality? Here is an article to help you out https://musings-of-life.com/2024/11/25/why-planning-for-college-before-high-school-is-the-best-decision/
Once you decide, then you can start narrowing down what you want to pursue. In this case it seems counseling. Back to your issue for internship. For most schools, you can't graduate without having an internship. This was the case with my school. Our career services worked with students to make sure they landed an internship. Check with your career services with your school to see what they offer. If you don't want your money to go to waste, check all resources available. They are there to help you. Also, check job boards for internships. Glassdoor, Indeed, Linkedin jobs, and Monster.
Also, you can reach out to companies you would love to work for. Send them a personal letter. Highlight how you would love to work for their company as an intern. Answer why? It could be their specific core values fit your core values. For example. I believe your community driven and people focused values match my core values. How being an intern will allow you to build skills and experience in your field. Highlight your willingness to learn and be a team player. Highlight your achievements with your sales job. State what you hope to achieve while working as an intern. Employers are looking for individuals who have passion and stand out. Make sure you have a well polished resume and with every job, send a personal cover letter. You have to do research on these companies, highlighting why you want to intern. You will get noticed. Reach out to them with a personal call as well.
You have paid vs unpaid internships. This is all up to you on what type of internship you would like to pursue. If you go on job boards, make sure you include internship in your search. Also, you can put an inquiry on Linkedin that you're looking for an internship. That way, this will help employers (who are scouting for prospects on Linkedin) know you are interested in pursuing an internship. Make sure you have a well-crafted Linkedin profile that shows your eagerness to pursuing an internship. What you hope to accomplish. How it will build your experience and skills. How you have a passion to help others. As an empathetic person, I anticipate that my knowledge expertise and compassion will help others to overcome problems. A career in counseling mirrors my core values. If you can't land an internship, try volunteering until you get an internship. Can check with https://www.volunteermatch.org/
You can also check with your existing job to see if there is an internship available. Let them know and perhaps, they can turn your job into an internship. The key, show your passion for pursuing an internship. Explain why you want to intern.
Remote Works has a wonderful program for individuals who are interested into getting into remote work. Can Google to get in contact with them.
One thing you don't want to worry about is money. Yes, we all have bills but you don't want this to be a focus. You don't want this to come across (only in for the money) with employers while interviewing. They want to notice your passion for the job. Why do you want to work here? What are your goals for your career? Is it your goal to be a top director in counseling in 5 years because you have a passion to helping as many people as you can. I don't want you to be miserable in your career. Plus job hopping because the salary doesn't match your needs. We all have a purpose and passion in life. Going to a job that you're proud to work for because you want the organization to succeed is a rewarding feeling. Plus you are helping others to overcome their problems in life. I don't know what area of counseling you're looking to get into.
Hope this helps and wish you all the best in your career!