Many Education Majors who have employment plans for the summer focus less on internships and more on jobs that surround them with children.
By: JoAnn Olsson
CSI’s students are giving their attention to kids both inside and outside of the classroom by obtaining employment that focuses more on children and less on resume building.
“There is less value in the education field for internships,” said John Kesaris, the Senior Career Manager at CSI’s Center for Career and Professional Development. “It’s more part time roles.”
In fact, research from the University of Pittsburgh shows that work experience provides an opportunity to connect education and professional skills. These educational opportunities and skills center around five major themes: skill development and personal growth, enhanced social and communication skills, understanding of professional work environments, impact on future career choices, and increased confidence and independence.
“I’m either going to work at the Y as a counselor for kids,” said Thomas LaRose, a sophomore education major. “I might also give private guitar lessons.”
When polled, the majority of CSI students asked already have employment plans for the summer, especially those who are studying in the education field. Most education majors have jobs lined up that center around kids and their majors.
These jobs tend to run the gamut. From running day camps, to working as an aide for autistic children, and teaching summer school all the way to dressing up as fairytale characters and superheroes for kids’ birthday parties, education majors are finding many child-centered ways to earn a buck.
To be sure, according to CSI’s Center for Career and Professional Development, there are a small number of internships to be had in the education field. They can be found mostly in the areas of special education and working with autistic children.
Internship programs have changed over the past ten years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, internship numbers plummeted. Many employers canceled their training programs. Those who didn’t cancel shifted towards online internship programs.
The good news is that despite all the changes, the value of the professional learning experience remains relevant well into 2025. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, internship rates were between 50% and 60%. The average length of an internship is four and a half months. Internships have a high satisfaction rate, with 36.4% of respondents reporting being extremely satisfied.
Many CSI students aren’t willing or able to give up a paying job for an unpaid internship, and high-quality internships with good pay remain elusive. Internships are important because of the career connections and networking opportunities that start with such openings. Frequently, at the conclusion of a successful internship, students are offered their first full-time jobs with the same organization. Kesaris states that CSI students have access to more internships now than they have in years past.
“I’m probably working in summer school. I know I’m going to regret it,” said Amara Cordero, a Senior Education major preparing to graduate this May. “It’s hard to deal with them (special needs kids) when it’s hot. I love them, but it’s hard to go to work and get abused.”
Outside of education, there are internships to be had in all walks of the business field. Internships also appear to be plentiful in the graphic design sphere. Internships have steadily increased in the software industry, cybersecurity, and internet areas as well.
Kesaris feels that CUNY students who take part in internships while in school have a leg up when entering the job market out of college because they have valuable skills like teamwork and time management, as well as problem solving.
“The NYU students have the name behind them,” said John Kesaris. “CUNY students have the drive to want to succeed.”
