Internship- What should I do?

njstudent12345 · 01-30-2008, 10:30 PM

I emailed a couple of lab departments at a major state university near my house asking if they had any internship opportunities for undergraduates. I attached my resume and stuff. One research lab emailed me back and said they had some opportunities available. They asked me more detailed questions such as how often I would be able to come and if I am looking for a paid or a volunteer internship.

Here's the dilemma. I really want the internship b/c it is relevant to what I am interested in studying. And if I do not get it, I will most likely stay at home all summer doing nothing. So I don't want to hassle them so much as to make them not want to hire me. The problem is transportation. I live about 30 minutes away and no one is willing to drive me there. My dad suggests I ask them if they can provide me with housing. Do you think they will be able to do this or is it most likely outside of their abilities? Is it too much to ask them if they can provide housing and to get paid? By the way, I am a freshman at Johns Hopkins studying a field related to what the lab is working on.

Perfectedxchaos · 01-30-2008, 10:51 PM

I would just tell them the situation. Perhaps they will provide the housing, but you will get no additional stipend, which I think would still be fair. After all, housing would cost a lot if you had to pay for it yourself.

But be honest about it, in a sincere and gentle way, and I highly doubt they would call that hassling them. It's a genuine problem.

And I'm sure they would rather you tell them this now, rather than AFTER they hire you. "By the way, I need a dorm room..."

lil_killer129 · 01-31-2008, 09:43 AM

You live 30 minutes away and you need housing?

njstudent12345 · 01-31-2008, 10:47 AM

lil_killer129, I know... it sounds pathetic. But I don't have a car/license. And my parents have weird work schedules and don't want to give me a ride out of their way.

toblerone · 01-31-2008, 05:19 PM

How about taking a bus? I mean, surely there are buses around that area?

Leticia · 01-31-2008, 07:26 PM

I may be interning in your area this summer. I am not quite sure as to where yet but I know my housing will be at George Washington University (pretty expensive, appx 2000 for two months) and depending on the location of the internship, I may have to amtrak to baltimore from DC everyday (if lucky i will have a nice Nothern Va or DC or closer Maryland internship). Ask to see if they will provide for you transportation, some internships I applied to did.