Like many others at UT, I had a clear vision of my career path when I first arrived here. Law school was the goal, and I wanted a hands-on experience that could help me move in that direction, like a fellowship or an internship at a legal clinic. But when the opportunity to intern as a copywriter came up, something told me to take a chance. I hesitated since copywriting was more closely tied to marketing, but the position was based in D.C. — the heart of policy and legislation. Plus, strong writing skills are crucial in law. So I took the plunge.
From day one, I realized this internship was going to be more valuable than I imagined. Writing copy for a trade association taught me how to distill intricate concepts into clear, concise language. By taking on a new role, I was able to expand on my writing skills, a critical tool for a successful legal career. My time working in a corporate setting also helped me understand and adapt to new methods of communication and teamwork, which gave me a chance to start building a professional network that could benefit me in the future.
When applying to internships, consider that the value of an experience isn’t always directly related to your chosen field. It’s in the skills you develop, the perspectives you gain and the connections you make. My copywriting internship may not have been in a law firm, but it honed my analytical thinking, improved my writing and gave me insights and relationships in the corporate world — all skills that will serve me well in a legal career.
Options that may seem tangential to your chosen path could really help you hone skills that could end up being crucial to your career. This year, I’m reevaluating how I’ll be applying to future internship opportunities. That marketing internship might teach me how to craft compelling arguments. That tech startup gig could give me insights into intellectual property issues, or that nonprofit position could potentially show me how law and social justice intersect.
When I tried to limit myself to opportunities that were directly related to my chosen path, I noticed how many chances I was missing out on. I was so set on what I wanted to do that I never considered that something different could still benefit me.
I got the chance to connect with new people, learn more about the world of copywriting and explore D.C. all because I allowed myself to take a detour. I realized that just because I know what I want to do in the future doesn’t mean I can’t reap the benefits of diverse experiences, like gaining confidence, experience and overall insight into my preferences in the workforce.
Look into opportunities that intrigue you and allow yourself to consider positions that might seem dissimilar to your field. These activities can diversify your skill set, broaden your perspective and may even help you discover new passions within your chosen field.
Career trajectories are rarely linear. It’s a winding path of experiences, each contributing to your growth in unexpected ways. An internship that seems off-path can also help set you apart in the future.
So take that chance. Apply for that internship that intrigues you, even if it’s not perfectly aligned with your career goals. You never know — it can potentially shape your future in ways you never imagined.
Narwekar is a philosophy and economics junior from Coppell, Texas.
