Getting a summer internship can be a great move for your career and for the basic experience, especially if you’re sick of working at your town day camp and don’t want to operate the register at your local Target. You want to pick an internship that counts — one that excites you and doesn’t just require taking multiple trips to Starbucks or learning the art of photocopying. So if you’re looking for an interesting internship experience, these four options should prove as inspiration.
1. Disney
Oh Disney, creator of such films as “John Carter,” “Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” and “Aladdin.” Yes, even the magical world of Disney extends a helping hand to students who want to gain some practical experience in the real world. The Disney College Program lasts a total of six months and requires students to take a semester away from college. Students can shadow a variety of jobs, from marketing in an executive office to management on a Disney cruise line.
Plus, this is a paid internship, so you’re essentially being given money to put in some hard work in vacationland.
Students get to live with people from across the United States as well as those from around the world. This internship could be a great opportunity to meet new people in a fun setting.
While there, students are required to take Disney education courses, which are free (i.e. there are no tuition costs, which will be a nice break on a student’s bank account). Students do, however, have to pay for books, which cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per course.
In addition to learning, students are required to work in the parks.
This program requires a huge sacrifice on the behalf of the student, as he or she must take a full semester away from school, but it could be a valuable experience and many schools will grant internship credit upon completion of the program.
2. Google
Google is one of the largest and most innovative companies around. We google everything: facts about sharks, ourselves, porn, everything. It’s not a huge surprise that students jump at the chance to intern for this company.
If accepted into the program, students must dedicate three months of work. Google has a few internship programs to appeal to majors like finance, computer science, psychology and art history.
All interns receive a mentor at the beginning of the program who helps guides them along the way. Interns are given the opportunity to attend talks by “Googlers,” where they learn about new products and developments in the industry. They can also attend company meetings where they can ask questions and provide feedback to Google.
Students are given invaluable opportunities, but are also offered some pretty awesome perks, including free meals, massage therapy, free video games and special events for interns, like go-karting, movie nights and cruises.
And if you’re worried about re-locating or what this experience is going to cost you, Google’s got your back. They provide assistance for interns who need to move as well as a “competitive” salary.
Google is a powerhouse on the Internet. Interning there for a short period of time could lead to a solid job offer, or an awesome recommendation letter at the very least.
3. MTV
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at MTV? Well, this could be your golden opportunity. MTV Network offers a wide variety of internships, from working with the raunchy shows of MTV to childhood favorites on Nickelodeon.
Students apply for internships based on location, with each location offering a different experience. While interning, students can also earn college credit.
If you’re interested in movies or television shows, this is the internship for you.
4. The White House
If you’re into politics, then this is your dream internship. Working for the White House provides an opportunity to live in one of the most political cities in the United States, Washington, D.C.
This internship educates students about the executive office and social service, while assigning weekly tasks.
Intern duties include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos and staffing events. Interns are also united throughout the program’s duration with weekly speaker series and off-site field trips, so it’s not all about the business.
In addition to learning more about politics and government, students must partake in service projects, learning the importance of helping the community.
Plus, in your free time you can explore D.C. with other interns.
So if you’re still contemplating where you want to intern in the future, you may want to look into these programs. At the very least, try to find something interesting to you — you have to put in all that time, so you might as well enjoy it.