<p>I am currently a college freshmen beginning to think about summer plans. Ideally, I would have some internship in NYC, paid or unpaid, that exposes me to a career or occupation and allows me to gain some experience in the field. Most companies seem to want older students, however. Anyone have any ideas on "freshman friendly" companies? I'd like to explore marketing, publishing, consulting, or advocacy--but am not decided on a field (as you can see), so anything could be interesting. Also, for those past their freshman-to-sophomore summer, when is the ideal time for applying to internships?</p>
<p>This isn't what you want to hear, but a NYC internship for a student with only one year of college is nearly impossible to find. If you REALLY want an internship in the big apple, there are a couple out there that actually make you pay for it (which is stupid but some poeple seem to like them). At this point in time, it's basically about who you know.</p>
<p>Not so fast. My son must've applied to about 40 online postings during freshman year and was hired for a paid internship in his field by a well known corporation, based upon his GPA and academic honors. Just be sure your resume emphasizes your personal selling points.</p>
<p>Do you have a field in mind? I can speak only for journalism/publishing--most organized programs take applications during the winter, and other internship positions are advertised through April and May, although prime application season is in March. </p>
<p>If you don't have a specific field in mind, you might consider shadowing people in various careers you're interested. That might be more beneficial in terms of finding something you might enjoy than spending an entire summer doing something you might hate, if you're just sort of casting lures in all directions to see who might bite.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your advice thus far!</p>
<p>I am most interested in marketing in magazines/newspapers, and do have a strong interest in publishing. I've noticed, however, that HarperCollins, Random House, Scholastic and Penguin have positions only for Juniors/Seniors. Any pointers on who may consider freshmen applicants? I'm considering a major in sociology or government, mostly because my school does not offer pathways directly related to careers (i.e., advertising, journalism, etc).</p>
<p>for publishing, check out bookjobs.com. very helpful site.</p>
<p>I find this thread very interesting, especially in light of the current economic climate. URichmond's idea of shadowing in your area of interest is certainly a viable possibility and may even help an employer if they have been given "freezes" in their hiring as of late.....</p>
<p>It's going to be so difficult getting/providing a paid summer job this year that I have a strong feeling that many unpaid internships, especially in smaller companies, would be vastly welcome by employers....a "free" extra set of hands in this environment? If I was an employer, I would jump on that bandwagon. Hope for my D's sake that others agree....</p>
<p>Yes, I don't think a company in need of extra help would turn down volunteers. hj0519--the site mentioned is very helpful! Thanks for passing it along =]</p>
<p>you're welcome :) I'm very interested in the publishing industry, too.</p>