It’s that time of the year once more. Handshake and LinkedIn are inundating inboxes with job opportunities, professors are unveiling chances for students to apply, and the university is hosting numerous workshops.
The season for internships has commenced.
This period can be quite overwhelming for college students. Just as the semester is kicking off, we are already being advised to contemplate our summer plans and how they might impact our future careers.
Summer internships hold significant value, often overshadowing the importance of the courses we invest in. This emphasis on securing a good job post-graduation through summer internships is not unique to Miami University but seems to be a prevailing sentiment.
Yet, the relentless pursuit of a future career can be draining. Therefore, I have opted for a different approach to my summer plans.
As a junior, the summer of 2024 marks my final true summer break. The likelihood of having a four-month hiatus again is extremely low (unless I face unemployment — yikes) until I retire. This realization struck me during winter break, prompting my decision to forego an internship this summer.
I acknowledged my youth, freedom, and the opportunity to deviate from conventional expectations. This summer, I have chosen to embark on an exciting adventure.
I firmly believe that adventure is fundamental to the human spirit. The innate human tendency is to seek exploration and aspire to be profoundly impacted by something extraordinary. This desire has resonated with me since my senior year in high school, compelling me to respond to the beckoning call of adventure that stirs my soul — a call that I deem more significant than any internship could ever be.
For me, this call materialized in the form of planning a 500-mile trek along the Colorado Trail. The idea of a thru-hike—an extensive hike spanning several weeks—has always captivated me. As I approach a future that may entail a full-time job and a family (which I eagerly anticipate), I realized that this summer might be my final opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace this call to adventure.
I understand that not everyone may share my enthusiasm for sleeping on the ground and going days without a shower. Making the most of this phase in your life could involve studying abroad over the summer, working in a picturesque region of the country for three months, or embarking on any transformative journey you envision.
I must acknowledge that this decision may have been easier for me compared to others. Having navigated the stressful internship application process last summer and realizing that the experience did not align with my aspirations, I yearned for a more fulfilling college experience. Nevertheless, I can still add it to my resume.
During the semester, there are alternatives to internships. Gaining practical experience through career-focused clubs like The Miami Student, participating in research, engaging in student government, and exploring various other opportunities can provide the experience and resume-building material that future employers seek.
Ironically, opting out of a future-focused internship has instilled a sense of optimism about my future. The prospect of living life exactly as I desire for five weeks fills me with joy, knowing that the memories and experiences will be cherished by Future Me.
We can prepare for the future without sacrificing the incredible opportunities available to us at this juncture in our lives.
Life is a beautiful journey, and we only get one shot at it. Embrace the miracle of existence and extract every drop of meaning and joy from it. For those feeling stagnant, there is something extraordinary awaiting you; it’s about choosing to pursue what ignites your passion.
I urge you to embark on that adventure, discover what sets your soul on fire, let it transform you, and integrate it into your life. Remember, the internship will not define your essence; only you have that power.
Sam Norton, a third-year honors student majoring in biology with an environmental science co-major and journalism minor, has been a writer for The Student since his freshman year. He has garnered a regional SPJ award for his opinion pieces and currently serves as the GreenHawks and Assistant Opinion Editor.