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Throughout the recent spring term, my peers and I shared frustrations over our situation as Harvard College juniors trying to secure summer work placements.

Despite the strong credentials that gained us admission, these have fallen short against the high standards set by numerous outside organizations.

Many families view higher education, particularly at places like Harvard, primarily as a way to achieve financial returns.

Students in my position feel intense pressure when unable to secure tangible outcomes, leading to real economic concerns.

This made the challenge of obtaining a key junior-year summer position especially daunting.

Background from earlier internship roles

Since age 15, I have gained experience in climate policy, sustainable energy promotion, and political campaigns. At 18, I began freelance writing as well, and I am currently 21.

In high school, I spent two years as a part-time climate organizer, coordinating advocacy at the New York State Capitol, and spent one summer overseeing more than 80 campaign volunteers.

My prior two college summers brought funded positions in Washington, D.C. The initial one came via a Harvard program, while the next involved relying on standard online applications and daily checks of LinkedIn postings.

Although challenging with expected setbacks, I secured a role in the end.

This year, I anticipated similar hurdles but encountered far greater obstacles.

Process of applying for junior summer positions

From January through mid-April, I sent out materials for 15 roles focused on climate policy and politics, plus several more partially prepared in storage, totaling near 20 efforts.

Responses were mostly absent after applying. Some brought rejection notices, including one citing an acceptance rate of 0.008 percent as the cause.

Rejections continue arriving even months later for earlier submissions.

A few first-round interview invitations arrived, though each often led to additional stages now typical in hiring.

Fellow students face similar internship difficulties

Offers for summer roles appear limited among the college applicants I know.

The weak employment environment reduces available internships, delaying progress for new Generation Z workers entering the field.

This issue extends beyond individual concerns, as multiple studies show recent graduates encountering one of the toughest job markets in years.

Common challenges among Harvard peers

I consider myself fortunate to hold an offer this summer, even if unpaid. In light of current conditions, it is understandable that Harvard students prioritize professional opportunities over academics during summer periods. Concerns about future job stability persist beyond graduation.

I hold serious worries about long-term unemployment after college, which seem justified. I have observed two recent Harvard graduates each submit hundreds of applications, endure interviews, silences, and denials before succeeding, all while managing financial uncertainty.

Although this economic period brings major difficulties, one summer does not define or ruin all future prospects.