I just finished my Freshman year of college and I feel as though I haven’t accomplished enough.Perhaps I’m comparing myself to too many prodigies but it seems like in order to secure internships in the future, I should have been named president of a club, conducted research and earned several national awards by this point. I’ve done only one of those things.
How behind am I? Is there time to catch up? Or am I overthinking?
I’d appreciate any advice from seniors/graduates
Thanks
You are overthinking.
Overthinking HARD. What club would let a freshman lead it instead of likely several capable seniors? What meaningful research could a freshman who hasn’t learned much yet do?
When I talk to upperclassmen at my school who have really competitive internships, they’ve done that kind of stuff!!! But they’re probably in the minority
You’re right. You haven’t accomplished nearly enough. I actually cured cancer during the winter break of my freshman year.
President of a club as a freshman? lol unless it’s a hacky-sack club with 5 people in it, I don’t think that’s going to happen man
@pennplease2015 The most important thing early on is to get decent grades and establish some friends. If you did those two things freshman year, you are doing great.
Internship availability varies by major, but even at Penn it can be difficult to get one for freshman summer. If you get involved and make an effort, good things will happen for you. Be sure you keep your linkedin up-to-date.
In general, don’t compare yourself too much to others - I know a lot of people that have similar trains of thought that are doing absolutely plenty but can’t convince themselves they are because someone else is doing something they aren’t. You have to realize that no matter what you do, someone else will do something impressive that you haven’t.
Even if you go out and cure 2 cancer’s (to beat @preamble1776 of course), someone will invent a new reusable energy source to replace oil. Even if you create a better fuel… you get the picture.
As long as you’re doing well in class and even merely paying attention beyond that, you’re going to be fine. Do what you want, not what looks impressive. Do you actually want to do research? If so, talk to professors and start seeing if any projects they have spark your interest.
You realize that under 1% of all college students probably do this, right?
On top of all this, when it comes to internships, few to none are even going to care about being a president of a club - this isn’t high school anymore. Clubs are mainly for your interest and enjoyment. The way they will care about the club is if you’ve done something relevant to your field as a result.
National awards are impressive, but again, it depends on the award too. You certainly don’t need them to get an internship.
Research, if it’s something you want to do, is both the most realistic and helpful when it comes to your concerns - make it a sophomore year goal to simply reach out to professors and get involved there.
Again, you’re doing just fine if you’ve already done one of those!