Internship Capstone Challenges and Changes

Now, being in full swing of the Spring 2026 semester, I’ve had to get used to some changes in my schedule of classes. Many graduate degrees require a capstone in the form of a thesis, internship, or practicum to complete the degree. In my case, I’ve chosen to do an internship for my capstone, and since it takes up many hours in my week, I have already completed the classes I need to graduate.

I can tell you that your frustration with internships and job hunting is valid, and that you’re not alone. A couple of months ago, I was super stressed trying to find an internship for my capstone, and to my surprise, I ended up accepting two. After many rejections, opportunities do show up, so keep your head held high. I always try to remember the phrase “rejection is redirection,” and it helps me deal with the job hunt better. Now that I have these internships, I’ve had to learn how to manage my time even more efficiently than before.

The new workload is a significant change for me. Since I completed my classes, I can focus entirely on my internship and capstone project. Not attending a regular class during the week feels a little strange, but I feel it is preparing me for a new routine. A routine of a working writer rather than a student. I'm still a student, but the lack of immediate homework has had a noticeable effect on my internal time management. I’m sure the feeling is shared among the graduate students who have to juggle between work and school, but the experience is worth it. 

Another significant change is remote work and how to manage it. So far in my career journey, I’ve only experienced in-person roles; so when I accepted two remote internships, I didn’t know what to expect. Communication through emails, video, and productivity apps has become even more important than before, and the lack of immediate supervision is new, too. Despite all these new routines, I’ve discovered that scheduling a consistent time for work, prioritizing tasks, and constant communication are what work best for self-sufficiency. I’ve also been utilizing the study areas here on campus. They set a good mood for work mode.

The transition from student to working professional is tricky. I dare say, it's one of the most complicated in one’s academic and professional career. Balancing so many long-term responsibilities can be difficult, but what keeps me motivated is the light at the end of the tunnel and the many, many to-do lists. But I always remember to schedule my relaxation time, because that is a productive task in itself.