<p>Advice appreciated: Son is a double major in film and history, most interested in a film career but realistic about making a living in film. He has been offered two internships, one unpaid with State Dept. in overseas posting, helping to make outreach/PR films (and yes, he received security clearance). The second internship, minimum wage, is with a major Hollywood studio, as a set decoration intern. He is really torn, as he thinks both are great opportunities and knows he is lucky. Thoughts? The money/travel differences are not determining factors--we will support either choice. He knows the State Dept. internship is competitive and prestigious. But he also wonders if the movie gig would be his break and his chance to get his foot in the door.</p>
<p>Is the internship with the state department marked “Pathways”? If so, then it has the potential to convert to a real job. If not, having a security clearance or bring cleared for one in the past is not only good for government jobs, but also for contractors. I am not sure how exactly the state department internship would help besides with having experience with diplomatic processes and maybe having some contacts so that he could market his experience as an aid to overseas filming. However, to the best of my knowledge, non pathways internships offered by the state department rarely turn into careers in the state department. However, it will look great on his resume.</p>
<p>I haven’t seen the word “Pathways,” just an Overseas Summer State Department internship. I think the idea it would great on his resume is what he’s thinking, even though he’s not all that interested in government work.</p>
<p>If he’s not going to be interested in it, then, in my opinion, he shouldn’t take it. If he doesn’t like it, it will show and he probably won’t put much effort into it and might be bitter about it. That makes for bad recommendations. If he wants to give it a try and have an open mind, then internships can often be seen as ways to weed out what you DON’T want to do.</p>
<p>I know he would do his best and make a sincere effort, whatever choice he makes. I guess the main question is which internship would give him the best chance at film jobs down the road. Not something anyone can know for sure, but I thought folks on here might have some experience and insights. And we do appreciate your thoughts!</p>
<p>if he’s interested in hollywood, he should definitely go there.</p>