Hello All,
My name is Matt Arciniega. I attended the
Yale Ivy Scholars Program in '09 and am now studying at Columbia University. In
the past, I've stressed the importance of getting off campus and finding
internship opportunities that help you understand the working world and take a
break from your studies. I'm now here to reaffirm that advice--in fact, I've
appreciated off campus internships so much I've decided to take a semester off
and work for a few different non-profit groups.
Many people will tell you, "you just have to go abroad," or graduate in
four years, but there is definitely something to be said for halting your
studies and taking a path less-traveled. This is one of the only times in your
life you do not need to have a steady job with benefits and the ability to pay
the bills--get out there and do something! It will be amazingly helpful for
learning about and understanding different career paths. I very much enjoyed
all the hard work I was putting into school and I know my degree will help me
get where I want to go in life, but I don't know where I want to go in life!
Like choosing colleges, you can't truly understand anything about an industry
or career unless you spend some time living it. That is the premise of the Ivy
League Connection, and I think it is just as applicable when it comes to the
job search.
Other quick updates, I am halfway through my
junior year as a political science major (which I recommend for anyone
interested in advocacy work) and I am hoping to work in education policy and
eventually go to grad school. If any of you are interested in Columbia,
political science, education or taking a semester off, please don't hesitate to
contact me.
All the best,
Matt Arciniega
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