The Commotion Surrounding Internships Explained

Holy Cross Student Secures Internship with Gray Panthers

Ben Mara '22, a senior Political Science major at Holy Cross, recently completed an internship with the Gray Panthers as part of the Academic Internship Program (AIP). This program offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their chosen field, integrating classroom knowledge with real-world application in a professional setting.

The AIP is typically open to third and fourth-year students at Holy Cross, providing them with a semester-long internship opportunity. While there is no information available about the university attended by Alana Baldar, who also completed an internship, it is clear that such opportunities are valuable for students seeking to clarify their career interests and gain skills that employers seek in candidates.

Many employers expect students to have internship experience on their resume, and the Center for Career Development at Holy Cross aims to help students find full-time, paid internships in their desired industry. The Center offers the Crusader Internship Fund for summer internship funding, with applications opening on January 8, 2024. Funding through this fund is limited, and students can receive summer internship funding once at Holy Cross.

Internships can be in-person, remote, or hybrid, and many are paid, typically paying minimum wage or higher. In addition to providing practical experience, internships offer an opportunity to expand your professional network and enhance your social capital by working closely with people who may be in a position to hire you in the future.

Pam Ahearn, the Manager of Employer Partnerships at the Center for Career Development, emphasizes the importance of internships, stating, "Internships provide an opportunity to work in an industry, gain skills that employers seek in candidates, and clarify career interests."

Katie Sullivan '27, a staff writer for the news section at Holy Cross, agrees, noting that internships can be a valuable stepping stone towards a successful career. "Internships offer an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals in the field, and make connections that can help you in your future career," she says.

Traditionally, junior year is the target year for college students to complete an internship, but many students seek opportunities the summer after sophomore year as well. Regardless of when students choose to pursue an internship, it is clear that such opportunities are essential for students looking to gain valuable experience and prepare for their future careers.