<p>Hello guys and girls, newbie here who comes in peace! Currently about to enter my junior year of undergrad (Fall '13 semester) in Political Science and I plan on eventually applying and earning a Masters in either Poli Sci or in International Relations, with the hopes of becoming a high school social studies teacher and later on a professor. Long story short, I am wondering as to how relevant or integral a summer internship is if you are planning to attend grad school and are years away from the proverbial "real world." Currently, I'm working full time for a staffing agency, a job that has nothing to do with my major but pays well for a kid home for the summer. Am I inadvertently shooting myself in the foot here? If it's any consolation, I have a strong GPA and am a tutor as part of my school's work/learn program. Sorry to bombard with questions, just not really familiar with the whole grad school admissions process other than keeping high grades and doing well on entrance exams</p>
<p>You are right that high grades and GRE are important for master’s admission. Internships can give you a boost. The tutoring is nice too. But that’s water under the bridge, so no use worrying about it now. You might look into one for fall semester. It’s great that you got a job, though.</p>
<p>Usually the road the professorship does not begin by being a HS teacher. It usually begins by getting a PhD and becoming a researcher. So you should really run that plan by some of the professors that you get to know as an upperclassman. Or your adviser, of course.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply BrownParent! You’ve definitely eased my overanxious mind 
I was getting concerned as many of my peers are doing unpaid/low paying internships, but unlike myself they do not intend on pursuing a further degree. Not to mention the fact that I can’t afford an unpaid internship</p>
<p>That’s what I was thinking about becoming a professor, I am just sort of torn as to if I want to teach high school permanently or not. I am leaning towards just going for a Masters, seeing what comes my way in the private sector and if that fails get the necessary schooling and/or certifications needed to teach at a high school level or if I’m fortunate at the community college level. (My CC had many professors with just a Masters) From there, perhaps work towards my doctorate and fully immerse myself into researching professions that ultimately lead into a position in a college classroom.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your time!</p>