Granny_Weatherwax Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Which of these looks best on a college application or resume? DS is heavily involved in scouting and has plans to volunteer at summer camp this summer and then work at camp next summer. He has some other opportunities, really good opportunities to my way of thinking, for next summer (2014). What do you think? 1) Our family has met Jack Hannah and Mr. Hannah knows about DS's passion for nature and conservation. He told DS to come to him for an internship at either the Columbus Zoo or The Wilds. This would mean DS would have to go live there for the summer and we would have to pay his expenses while he was there. But the experience, and possible recommendation, would be priceless. 2) DS can attend the Sea Semester and gain practical knowledge and college credit but at a steep price. 3) DS can work at the local BSA summer camp as a counselor and earn money. I am sure there are other options that I am unaware of. It's too late to do much this summer because of DS's Boy Scout obligations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 I can only answer from my dd's personal experience.... so here's one data point for you..... Dd had a full time paid summer internship last year and I think it was really beneficial in a number of ways. 1. She got to work with highly accomplished people - including the other interns, which opened her eyes to more career/college possibilities. 2. Her mentor was absolutely amazing. In addition to skillfully mentoring dd's research she gave dd a lot of fantastic career/college advice. 3. Dd had to present her research findings a couple of times in professional situations, which was something mind blowing and really expanding for her. 4. Aside from so much personal growth, I am almost positive that the recommendations her mentors wrote for her made a huge impact on her college application results. (Did I mention it was paid??) She gets to go back this summer, too... she's very excited and I am so grateful to the scientists that are willing to share their time and expertise with her and the other high school interns. It truly has been a life altering experience. Good luck! Honestly, I don't think there's a wrong answer among your ds's choices. They are all great options! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 So much depends on your kid's goals. Internships can speak volumes, but so can leadership experiences in a camp. I know several people who have gone to SEA--it was a life changer for a couple of them. How does the financial aspect weigh in? If it does not, then I think you might want to let your son make the call. As Jen noted, there are no wrong answers here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Golly, I'd vote for #1, if your son is really excited about it and it's along the lines of what he wants to study in college. Of course, that would depend on the expenses. I wouldn't do it if it would put us into debt. You'll have enough of that in college. I don't have a clear reason for choosing it, it's just what my gut tells me. :) It seems like the most unique and fun opportunity of the three! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in MA Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Golly, I'd vote for #1, if your son is really excited about it and it's along the lines of what he wants to study in college. Of course, that would depend on the expenses. I wouldn't do it if it would put us into debt. You'll have enough of that in college. I don't have a clear reason for choosing it, it's just what my gut tells me. :) It seems like the most unique and fun opportunity of the three! I agree, I'd choose #1 if the finances weren't too much of an issue. The contacts he could make would probably be helpful later on. I don't know about your scout council, but the scout summer camps around here do not pay very well -- if that's true where you are, #3 might not be as much of an upside as you think. Congrats on having several options! Brenda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 Thanks for the input. Since it's for next summer, DS is dragging his heels. He decided against sea semester due to the cost and his inability to earn money this summer to help fund the trip. He is really leaning toward working so he can earn money for senior year. I would like to see him do the internship. I have a friend in Columbus and DS could board with him for a reasonable amount. I know it seems funny worrying about things so far in advance but it seems like the clock is ticking and we let this summer slip away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candid Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 One weird piece of advice. If he does go to Jack Hannah's place for the summer. DO NOT get a recommendation from Hannah himself. Celebrity recommendations are routinely ignored by college admins who think that parents obtain them for the child. So make sure that your son establishes a good, strong, working relationship with someone else at the zoo who will write a letter of recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RebeccaZager Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 internships practical experience helpful for student to take job by develop greater understanding about strength & weakness.it allows student to make & develop professional contact.it aiso develop soft skills like confidence,team work ,communication skills etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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