<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am going to be a freshman in the fall. I was wondering how hard is it for a first year student to tackle academics and an internship at the same time. Is it too overwhelming for a first year student or can it be done? I'll be in the Elliott School of International Affairs. I have heard some say get acclimated to the school the first semester and the second semester do an internship. Any thoughts/opinions?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I just read a post by admissions on the gwu message board to someone asking the same question. They don’t advise Freshmen do internships. They want us to get adjusted and enjoy Freshman year.</p>
<p>I actually encourage students tackling the academics and internship as soon as possible. You should utilize your freshmen year to build strong relationships with professors by going to office hours…etc. So when you need a recommendations letter for internships, you’ll be set. It’s never too early to start internships. my 2 cents.</p>
<p>I think it depends on how intensive your classes are and what kind of internship you have. Personally I did work-study freshman year (about 10 or 12 hrs/week) while taking classes, and did not feel overwhelmed at all. However, I would have never been able to manage having the job I have now (I work about 24 hrs/week) with classes right off the bat. There’s no harm in giving yourself time to adjust.</p>
<p>Besides that, not a whole lot of places will hire first semester freshmen, and because freshmen are among the last to register for classes, it may be hard to craft your schedule in a way that allows you much time for an internship. So basically, I’m not saying outright don’t get one- if you have one lined up and it fits in your schedule, fine- but I think it might be better for most to wait till at least second semester to get one.</p>