Running head: FRESHMAN LACK INTERNSHIPS

Issue Analysis:
Classified Freshman Injustices

Elisa Rivera
The University of Texas at El Paso

FRESHMAN LACK INTERNSHIPS

An internship with the Defense-Test Resource Management Center (OSD-TRMC) and

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), presents a situation where as a result of the level of
complexity and committee decisions, freshman are not suggested to apply (Reich, 2015). This
denial of freshman causes dilemmas in freshman advancement academically, motivation and the
focus towards desired career risks vanishing. Despite the level of difficulty the TRMC Science
Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Internship Program consist of, students should not
be denied an opportunity because of lack of prior knowledge or classification, there should be an
alternative chance for freshmans to shadow mentors throughout the program, hence when
skillfully prepare level up to do greater tasks.
The Facts:
Test and Evaluation (T&E) programs in STEM are funded a significant amount of money.
According to the 2009 budget request, $79.6 billion were given to the Test and Evaluation sector
and is only increasing in amount year by year (O Hanlon, 2009). This considerable amount of
money awarded to the Test and Evaluations is used for a variety of projects; yet, a project that is
not extensively brought about is one that increases Test and Evaluations awareness effectively at
the University level. A prominent career in T&E relations should effectively provide a greater
number of students the opportunity to explore the profession as an option, even underclassmen.
Shadowing a professional in the T&E services will provide a student him/her with the chance to
acquire more information and aid freshman in future major choices. Freshman should be able to
explore the T&E professions just as much as other under graduate students (sophomores, juniors
and seniors).

FRESHMAN LACK INTERNSHIPS

Its Significance:
Furthermore, an Education beyond a high school diploma is the idea that most privileged
and literate individuals chose to embrace. These well-rounded, studiously geared students often
go into a college or university with an idea on what he/she wishes to pursue a career in.
Inclusively, there are students with a strong passion for a career and are focused on attaining a
position in that desired field. Motivated Scholars are ready to actively enroll in a part-time
internship. Unfortunately, these incoming freshman will encounter the rejection of many
internship programs due to their lack of credited hours and no college grade point average
(GPA).
Moreover, in the article STEM Education: Background, Federal Policy, and Legislative
Action by Jeffery J. Keunzi, it is suggested that the strongly emphasized and innovative focus in
todays educational systems revolves around the Science Technology Engineering and Math
(STEM) subjects, which link to highly competitive internships such as in the case of the TRMC
STEM Internship community. Internships like the TRMC STEM program are very effective
internship openings that will list requirements to shorten the applicable pool of students. Within
the list of requirements for STEM internships a determinate factor for applying is the student
credited hour status.
Internships are quality programs that will allow students in several occasions to fully
practice their acquired skills, which will ultimately encourage them to learn more about their
choice in career. The students classification should not be the factor that restricts a student from
gaining an extravagant experience he/she can truly benefit from. Hence, this issue will affect so
many freshman at this pivotal point in their academic chapter. This includes those who are

FRESHMAN LACK INTERNSHIPS

unsure if they enjoy their intended major, for he/she will undergo more confusion not being able
to find worthy experience.
The Importance:
The unequal opportunities for freshmans situation is heavily significant. It effects
students in the long-run because students have a year less to take advantage of golden practices.
If student wishes to transfer to a more competitive University, to the freshmans inconvenience
his/her resume will not be filled with interesting, promising internships. This will affect the other
Universitys committee evaluation and result as little credibility the freshman student as a strong
asset to their college. Additionally, post-graduation employers will disdain students lack of
experience. These scholars especially in an innovative era must acquire sufficient skill in with
new technologies in order to continue a rapidly increasing technology society. Students limited
access to these part-time activities are unintentionally limiting students network with prominent
individuals, resume building, and students confidence does not reflect in further actions.
Action Needed:
Consequently, there needs to be something done about the lack of incoming freshman
internships. There needs to be alternatives for every internship who only allows sophomore and
beyond under grads students to apply. There has to be a job suited for freshman to grow in. These
entering students are valuable assists to the nations future, there decision to commit to a
bachelor degree should be appreciated and promoted onto an internship opportunity. Specifically
targeting the TRMC STEM Internship program, this form of alternative opportunities for
freshman should start within that community. Internships are highly respected programs deserved
for respected students with an ambition to succeed no matter what classification.

FRESHMAN LACK INTERNSHIPS

References
Eberle, F. (2010). Workforce Development. Why STEM Education is Important, 1-1.
Kuenzi, Jeffrey J., "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education:
Background, Federal Policy, and Legislative Action" (2008). Congressional
Research

Service Reports. Paper 35.

OHanlon, M. (2009). Budgeting for Hard Power: Defense and Security Spending under Barack.
Library of Congress Catalog-in-Publication Data, 20.
Reich, C. (2015). IAW. Paid Internships Opportunities Supporting Test and Evaluation or the
Department of Defense, 2, 1-2.