I wanted to know if it is okay to participate/work in different summer programs/programs throughout my years of high school.
I’ve been part of an paid internship for almost two years and I hate it so much. My parents are the ones who are really pressuring me into continuing this internship until senior year. They have this idea that colleges like to see students who work in the same place for a long period of time. (Maybe they’re right)
I want to be able to explore different career paths but will it look bad if there is a pattern of inconsistency?
Thank you in advance!
Yes, of course it is okay! It only shows more experience and adds to your application. I understand where your parents are coming from, but do not stay with something you are not happy with. What schools are you thinking of applying to? I am guessing the ivy leagues or some other highly selective schools.
Thank you so much for your advice! It honestly made me feel a lot better. I’m thinking about applying to any college that gives me financial aid lol but my dream school is NYU.
They don’t want people who never commit to anything, but they don’t expect you to have all your interests figured out either.
Oh no, you aren’t expected to intern at one place more than once, even. Internships are to try out different places of work and different types of jobs to see what you like and explore and make connections. You should never continue if you do not like it. This is for you and your life experience, not just for putting on a college resume–you are supposed to be finding what you like and what you don’t like for future reference. That is not at all the same as showing consistency in your school activities. That is quite ridiculous of your parents
Your parents are sadly mistaken. This is your time to explore different things.
I will point out, however, that consistency should lead to expertise and the chance for some stand-out performance.