Still searching for a meaningful summer experience? With the job market still very weak, you might want to concentrate on obtaining an internship or a volunteer position in a field of interest to you. Although these programs are unlikely to provide you with ready cash, they do offer you that other valuable commodity—experience.
Volunteer positions are generally easier to find. For those interested in health sciences, volunteering at a local hospital can provide you with a first-hand look at careers in medicine. Your local veterinarian, animal shelter or pet rescue may have good volunteer positions for future vets. Those considering a career in education might offer to help out at a local nursery, day camp or community center. Environmental activists might check out opportunities to help at a state or national park or with an environmental organization. To find a volunteer position, think about the type of career that interests you and look for ways to help in these fields.
Internships may be volunteer or paid positions, but all internships should give you an opportunity to learn. Budding journalists can apply for internships at community newspapers, magazines, or broadcast media, while future scientists might look for opportunities to work with a mentor on a science research project. Use your network of family and friends to obtain an introduction to someone in a position to offer you an internship. Apply as you would for paid employment, submitting a cover letter and your resume, highlighting your goals, skills, and ways that you could contribute to the work being done. Make this summer the best one ever!
