Leaving Internship

Career Opportunities & Internships
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<p>So I'm an upcoming sophomore in college in NYC and this summer I decided to take an internship in the city at a theatre company. At my meeting (there was no interview, just a group meeting in which everyone was accepted) it was stated to be flexible and I told them I could only work 3-4 days a week. I'm an actor as well so I planned on auditioning throughout the city while I was here. Well, I started this week and my boss assigned me to a very extensive position that requires many hours, the stage manager. He asked me in front of everyone and didn't really specify what I would be doing. I accepted because I didn't know what else to do and I was unaware. I have already been cast in a film that shoots two days at the end of July and told him I would be unavailable then and he said that would be fine and the other stage manager would cover. This is when the show is, at the end of July. He changed information in the computer to include my name and told the director I would be stage managing as well. </p>

<p>Well, I got home last night and the director of the film told me he would need me between July 14-28, for 3-5 days and wasn't sure of specific dates yet. I thought it over and decided I didn't feel as though the stage managing position was for me. I'm not available for a set schedule because I believed this internship was flexible, I can't commit to that. Also, I will be unavailable for a large chunk of time at the most important dates. I emailed my boss and told him this. I have also spoken to another intern and asked if she would be willing to take the position and she was. He said to bring her today, and he would keep me as well, and we would discuss. Also, in an email to all interns he said he would be adding more and having another interview, so it isn't like I am the only one. There are many of us. </p>

<p>However, I've honestly felt sick since I've been here. I do not want to be in the city now and all I want to do is go home and come back for the shoot in July. This internship is not what I thought it was and I'm not doing things that are interesting or making the connections I thought I would make. My boss is super nice and understanding and part of me just wants to tell him that this isn't working out for me and I think I need to step away. </p>

<p>There is no end date to this because since I will be back in the fall for school they said I could continue. Whether I stay until then or not, I don't plan on interning in the fall as my schedule is too busy. I don't know what to do and any advice would be appreciated!</p>

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<p>This does not sound like a good reason to leave an internship. It sounds like they have been flexible with your request to not have the all the ownership of the position of higher responsibiity (stage manager), right? I mean, at least in terms of sharing the duties… have you asked to just step back to something with less responsibility? That would be better than quitting.</p>

<p>Just because you are not finding the work fascinating (welcome to the real world!) and you aren’t meeting people that you think could help your career does not mean you should quit. One thing to remember about “making connections” is that in 5-10 years some of your fellow interns could be great connections to have. Not sure what you meant by that comment, but maybe you were thinking you were going to get to know experienced actors and professionals in the theater community in NY? If you can get to the point where a couple know your name, and you learn a few new skills of the theater trade, that is probably what you can expect.</p>

<p>You will probably be glad you have this experience on your resume in two years when you graduate and are looking for work. I think you should stick with it based on your original post.</p>

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<p>My advice, keep the internship. You made a commitment, your boss has been flexible and is good to work with - it will help you in ways you cannot see right now.</p>

<p>Learning to work and excel in a not so perfect environment, learning to keep your word and fulfill committments are important life skills that will help you as you move on in your career.</p>