Now onto Internships...

Parents Social Lounge
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<p>I've finished my college apps and even my first semester of college. Now I'm applying for an internship. I'm not too worried about getting the internship itself- it's unpaid from their end, and the director was encouraging. I'm working on getting a stipend from Wellesley so that I'll make some money this summer and be able to contribute some to my tuition. </p>

<p>Sooo...here's my question: The funding application requires a faculty recommendation. The internship itself is at a camp for terminally ill children and their families- I'd be going in order to observe the psychological impact of serious illness on children and the therapeutic merit that a camp like this one (which tries to allow the kids to have some of the childhood that they've missed out on) can have, while helping to make it happen for the kids. My academic interest for this particular internship is psychology, but the professor who knows me best and is my faculty advisor is a Latin professor. Now- which would be better? A recommendation from a highly respected professor who knows me fairly well but is outside the internship focus, or a recommendation from a visiting professor who knows me less well but is more related to the internship? </p>

<p>I know that was lengthy, but I'd love to get your input.</p>

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<p>elizabeth, Good question. If the Wellesley stipend comes from a general fund for summer internships and is not related to any particular department then I'd say go with the Latin professor. What the college is most likely looking for is a general character reference. E.g., Do you deserve the money? Will you work hard and benefit from the experience?</p>

<p>If, on the other hand, the fund is managed by the psychology department, then you should seek an internal recommendation. In that event, perhaps you could give the visiting professor a resume of your qualifications or meet with him/her to discuss your needs.</p>

<p>Since you've only had one semester under your belt it's understandable that you haven't had a chance to build up a group of referers. These relationships are something you need to continue to cultivate and maintain: they're one of the great advantages of attending a small LAC.</p>