Numbers vs. Experience

2.8. 3.75. 4.0.

We are constantly striving for success in numbers. From the moment we enter school, we base our progress and academic goals on numeric scores. To be accepted into highly competitive universities, some students obsess over getting the highest possible SAT scores. After students enter college, many tend to work towards making Dean's List. SAT scores and GPA's seem to be standard by which we all judge our intelligence and educational success. What ever happened to the importance of experience?

While I believe many people nowadays understand that hands-on experience teaches them lessons that the classroom may not, there is still a strange obsession with scores, grades, and numbers. After speaking to several high school juniors and seniors, one of their biggest academic fears is the idea that they may not achieve their desired SAT scores. While I am a firm believer in good grades, why do teachers and universities put so much pressure behind scores and numbers?

If high schools spent less time focusing on getting students to raise their scores and more time encouraging students to job shadow and intern at places, maybe there would be less stress for college students to determine what they want to major in. I know I changed my major after my freshman year. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing majors, but it would have been less of a hassle for me if I went into college with more "real life" experience in my field of study.

It almost comes down to two ideas: "street smarts" vs. "book smarts." "Book smarts" are vital to gain knowledge and skills; however, today's public schools seem to be focusing the "book smarts" approach without recognizing the importance of "street smarts" and experience in the work force. Gaining experience early can better prepare young people for a life-long career.

Education is supposed to mold young people and help them achieve success. In order to achieve this success, people must have some sort of talent or interest in the field or subject. How can students know what they are good at without actually trying it out? Just some food for thought.

Scheduling Nightmares

As a junior of a four-year, state-funded university in Pennsylvania, I feel as if I should have no problems when it comes time to schedule for my second semester of my junior year. In theory, I should have seniority and scheduling should come easier to those that are older and need classes to graduate. The key phrase is "in theory."

As scheduling for the spring semester draws near, I am in a constant state of worry. I have my classes figured out. Everything seems to work out great. Of course, I have a week until I actually schedule. The issue? Two of my six classes that I am required to take for my major (and are only offered in the spring) only have one section being taught during this coming semester. This means if I am unable to get into these classes, I will have to wait until my final semester to take these required classes and may possibly fall behind.

"Ask your professor to sign you in."

In many schools, this would work. However, at my university, professors are not as eager to sign students into their classes. In their minds, the longer a student stays at the university, more money the student will shell out to the school. Several of my closest friends are staying for at least another semester and some are even staying extra years due to scheduling conflicts throughout the semesters.

I feel that this is completely unjust. College students nowadays are in more debt than ever before. State-funded universities are not making it any easier for a young person to obtain a college degree. With tuition prices on the rise, staying an extra semester or paying for a few extra credits during "off-semesters" cause students to fall even further in debt and discourage young people from doing what they really want to do in life.

All of these thoughts stem from the simple concern of possibly not being able to take the appropriate classes I need for my major and the university's failure of providing an adequate amount of class sections. It's a domino effect. For now, I'm crossing my fingers that I am able to get into the classes I need to stay on track and graduate in Spring 2011 with little to no problems.

Outside Internships

Recently, I got myself into a predicament. I am trying to network and get to know several companies relating to PR opportunities and other media-focused businesses. I would love to get out of this small area outside of Pittsburgh and internship at one of the major cities. I know this is not the easiest approach to finding an internship, but I really do not want to settle.

I know New York City offers summer housing if you get an internship early enough. As a result, I've been trying to network early and find opportunities for next summer as soon as I can. Through my research, I found a company called Planned Television Arts. The company announced that it was already interviewing interns for Summer 2010. "Great!" I thought. "Exactly what I am looking for." I e-mailed the company and got a pretty rapid response back. The woman suggested I e-mail a resume, and after, we could set up an in-person or over-the-phone interview.

After I got my final grades for the semester, I sent in my resume and just received a response. The woman assumed I would be available to do an in-person interview and has set me up with a date & time. Obviously, I am going to explain that I was hoping for an over-the-phone interview and try to get this rescheduled, but I'm concerned about this.

If I want an internship outside this area, is it expected that I travel to the city for every interview? Are there opportunities where I can apply for internships and not be expected to interview in person? I'm willing to find housing for summer 2010 and live in the area at that point, but I can't exactly go to NYC every time a possible internship arises. I live 6.5 hours away. How do I chase after these internships outside of my area without being unrealistic?