By: Ashlynn Hanlin
With TV shows like “Friends" and “Sex & The City” being vivid cultural touchstones, it’s no surprise that New York City has become the dream destination for so many. But just like Carrie Bradshaw, you may begin to wonder about the reality of working in the concrete jungle. Interning in New York City comes with unique opportunities and obstacles, particularly for those without family or established support systems in the area. Spoiler alert: Rent is the worst.
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Your Network is Your Net Worth
For early-career professionals looking to build their networks, few places offer the opportunities available in Manhattan. Hundreds of thousands of people work across industries there, and many are willing to meet for coffee or a quick conversation if you reach out. The connections you make can lead to mentorship opportunities and future career prospects.
Even if someone's career path doesn't align with your own goals, you never know where a relationship might lead.
Recommendation: Schedule at least one coffee chat each week. Whether it's with someone at your organization or a professional outside of it, make networking a regular part of your routine.
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Money Makes the World Go Round
They aren’t kidding about the prices in the city, and it is significantly harder if you’re coming from out of state. As someone born and raised in Ohio, I felt the price shock firsthand.
If you’re lucky enough to land an internship in Manhattan, you have to be ready to spend some serious dough. Between rent prices, travel costs and food, the necessities garner quite the bill before you get to the extra curriculars that make up the New York City you see on TV. Many interns earn hourly wages that make budgeting essential, and costs can outpace paychecks faster than you might expect.
If you’re doing it on your own, try to save up at least half of your total summer rent beforehand. And remember—the occasional Ramen-noodle dinners are inevitable.
Recommendation: Don’t limit your housing search to Manhattan. Find a sublet in Brooklyn with cheaper rent, and spend the commute time reading, working or listening to music.
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Life Outside of Work
The biggest draw of working in Manhattan is the city itself. The beauty of a 5-9 after your 9-5 looking different and exciting every day is what keeps people coming back.
New York exposes you to so many cultures and experiences if you look for them; in my three months in the city, I went to every event I came across. I held hands with strangers at a Swedish Midsommar festival, watched dances at Chinese Arts Week and witnessed goats chowing down at “The Great Goat Graze-Off”, to name a few.
I met new friends at concerts and restaurants and rode the Staten Island ferry more times than I could count. I saw the Knicks win the championship from outside of Madison Square Garden and went to a World Cup watch party in Central Park.
If you take advantage of what Manhattan has to offer, you will make memories that will last a lifetime.
Recommendation: Find something to do after work at least three days a week. Many events are free, making them a great way to meet new people and explore the city.
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So, Is It Worth It?
I loved my internship, but the city itself is what made the experience unforgettable. Even now, as my credit card and I continue to recover from New York rent prices, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
If you have the opportunity, take the job, embrace the city and make the most of every moment. The lessons, connections and memories you gain may be worth far more than the cost of a summer in New York.
Your first year at Ohio State can be a complicated, yet exciting time, filled with lots of ups and downs. Watching these films can help comfort you through the change as you adjust to your new home and environment. Sit down and have a movie night with your friends or family to watch these films before moving away to campus. I hope you find that these films are helpful as you navigate your first year of college at The Ohio State University.
