<p>I'm pretty at sea about this, and hopefully some of you knowledgeable parents can help me out. I'm a freshman at Stanford trying to figure out what to do this summer. I am interested in an internship (paid or unpaid, though obviously paid is preferable), but I'm not sure exactly in what field. I have little idea what career I want to pursue and I'm also undecided about my major. I've been looking into public policy / think tank stuff, but a lot of it seems geared toward upperclassmen. I think I'd also be interested in something in the business world (in particular, consulting), but a lot of that also seems geared toward upperclassmen. Or I could see myself doing something at a law firm (but I'd rather not be doing photocopying / data-entry / coffee-running) or even something involving teaching kids or working at a museum. Or would it be better for me to try and do research or study abroad? Any ideas? If all else fails, I'd probably just get a job in retail or as a barista or something.... If it's important, received higher than a 4.0 in my first quarter, and also have a job and am decently involved in extracurriculars. Thanks in advance for any help or advice!</p>
<p>Honestly, it’s a LOT easier to find internships when you have a defined interest, and can get assistance from a professor, or employer. Perhaps this would be the year to find something at your university. Ask your advisor what he/she thinks. Perhaps they will be of some help.</p>
<p>As you have noted, many internships (particularly paid ones) are for upperclassmen with at least some interest and/or experience in the field of the internship.</p>
<p>Does Stanford have an internship or career office? I would think so…check there too.</p>
<p>The Stanford Summer Research College has some nice paid opportunities ($5000 plus) and not all of them are for upperclassmen. This is particularly true if you are looking at public policy and poly sci research. Some will require knowledge of statistics and programs like Stata, but not all.</p>
<p>My daughter did an unpaid internship at the Smithsonian during her first semester as a freshman. All the other interns were college seniors or graduate students but she was fortunate to get the internship and really learned a lot. If you are interested in museum work or public policy work… Washington DC is the place for you.</p>