July 31 is National Intern Day, a time to celebrate the contributions of interns across various industries. It is also an opportunity to reflect on why internships are particularly important for first-generation college students. Internships are more than a resume booster - they are a from of access.
According to Strada, securing a paid internship is linked to a predicted increase in annual wages of over $3,000. Despite this significant wage increase, women, people of color, first-generation college students, and students who struggle to afford their education are far less likely to secure paid internship opportunities. While internships can improve postgraduate outcomes, this gap reflects the broader challenges of navigating the hidden curriculum of higher education– the unspoken rules, expectations, and norms that play a critical role in a student’s post-secondary
success. First-generation college students often encounter challenges in finding and applying for internships because they are navigating unfamiliar systems with minimal guidance.
Internships provide opportunities to build social connections, navigate professional environments, and stay motivated toward long-term goals - concepts central to Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Model. This framework recognizes the unique strengths and assets that students from marginalized backgrounds bring to educational and professional environments. Students gain access to mentors, expand their networks, and explore potential career paths while strengthening key skills such as communication, time management, and adaptability.
Beyond technical skills, internships provide exposure to workplace environments, allowing students to explore their interests, strengths, and goals. Internships empower students with limited professional connections to bridge the gap between college and their future careers. They offer invaluable experiences and insights that go beyond academic coursework, paving the way for personal and professional growth.
The Hidden Curriculum and Learning to Navigate It
My journey reflects this reality. As a first-generation college student, I initially lacked the tools to stand out as a candidate. However, that began to change when I participated in the Braven Accelerator, a program that provided one-on-one advising opportunities and career development skills. Through Braven, I learned how to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and approach professional environments with confidence and authenticity. It was a turning point for my academic and personal goals.
The Braven Accelerator showed me the value of seeking support. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer is: you are not alone. College campuses are full of resources designed to support students. Whether it's reaching out to an academic advisor, dropping by the career center, or reaching out to a professor, taking the first step can lead to valuable opportunities for growth. Don’t overlook your peer network either; asking friends to review your resume can offer fresh perspectives and help you strengthen it in ways you might not have considered.
How to Find Internships (Even When You Don’t Know Where to Start)
If you are considering applying for internships, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with application cycles and how to use available resources effectively. Understanding this process can make a significant difference in your application!
Fall internship applications typically open during the summer
Spring internships applications typically open in September
Summer internship applications typically open in late fall or early winter
Start early and give yourself time to revise and review your application materials! Platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn can help facilitate your search. Leverage your strengths through Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Model. It’s essential to shift the focus toward highlighting students' strengths, such as navigational capital, as we tackle challenges in complex systems.
You Already Have What It Takes
National Intern Day is a great reminder that internships open doors to future opportunities, but the process of securing one isn’t always straightforward. If you’re a first-generation student feeling uncertain or behind, know that you already have what it takes to succeed. Your ability to navigate unfamiliar systems is a strength, not a setback!
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