What are all these interns doing in my office?
Internships are seen as very important for college students to get a good job after graduation, especially in competitive fields like finance and technology. Many students try very hard to get these internships, applying to hundreds of places and studying a lot, even though it's very difficult to get in. Some internships, especially in finance, pay well and offer good connections. However, once students get an internship, they often find the work is not very challenging and they spend a lot of time doing simple tasks or just trying to fit in. Despite the high pressure to get an internship, many companies don't seem to know what to do with their interns, who often end up spending a lot of time socializing and going out. The system is criticized for being too competitive and not always providing valuable work experience.
Key Vocabulary
Something that is overdue has not arrived, been done, or paid by the expected or required time.
Examples:
- The library book was two weeks overdue, incurring a significant late fee.
- The report on the quarterly earnings is overdue, causing concern among the board members.
- After a long day of travel, a hot meal and a good night's sleep were long overdue.
Items, often promotional, given away to people, typically at events or as part of a marketing campaign. It can also refer to a confident or stylish manner.
Examples:
- Attendees at the tech conference eagerly collected free pens and t-shirts as part of the event swag.
- The company handed out branded water bottles and notebooks as swag to potential clients.
- His new car came with a lot of cool swag, including custom floor mats and a key chain.
A student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, at a trade or occupation in order to gain practical experience, often for a limited period.
Examples:
- The summer intern was tasked with organizing the company's digital archives.
- She hoped her internship at the law firm would lead to a full-time position after graduation.
- Many journalism students seek out internships at local newspapers to build their portfolios.
A distinct group or area of people or things within a larger one.
Examples:
- The old part of the city contained several cultural enclaves, each with its own unique shops and restaurants.
- The research facility was an enclave of scientific innovation, attracting brilliant minds from around the world.
- Despite being a large university, the philosophy department felt like a small, tight-knit enclave.
A point of transition or change, often referring to the verge of something new.
Examples:
- The city was on the cusp of a major economic boom, with new businesses opening every week.
- As the sun set, the sky was on the cusp of twilight, painting the clouds with vibrant colors.
- He stood on the cusp of a new career path, excited and a little nervous about the future.
Lacking a clear sense of purpose or aim.
Examples:
- After graduating, he felt a bit directionless, unsure of what career path to pursue.
- The project became directionless without a strong leader to guide the team.
- She wandered through life feeling somewhat directionless until she discovered her passion for art.
A good deed done from religious duty (in Judaism); also commonly refers to a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, a coming-of-age ceremony.
Examples:
- Performing acts of charity is considered an important mitzvah in many faiths.
- His Bar Mitzvah marked his transition into adulthood within the Jewish community.
- She completed a mitzvah project by volunteering at a local soup kitchen for several months.
A set of intersecting lines, typically in the viewfinder of a telescope or gun sight, used for accurate aiming. Figuratively, it means being the target of intense scrutiny or criticism.
Examples:
- The new policy immediately put the company in the crosshairs of environmental activists.
- After the scandal, the CEO found himself squarely in the media's crosshairs.
- The athlete's controversial statement placed him in the crosshairs of public opinion.
Used as an expletive to express anger, annoyance, contempt, or emphasis.
Examples:
- Oh, fuck, I forgot my wallet at home!
- What the fuck happened here? This place is a mess!
- He was so angry, he just wanted to scream 'fuck this' and walk away.
To talk nonsense, especially to deceive or impress someone, or to exaggerate or lie.
Examples:
- He spent the entire meeting bullshitting about his accomplishments instead of presenting actual data.
- Stop bullshitting and tell me what really happened.
- I could tell by his evasive answers that he was completely bullshitting his way through the interview.
A common, fast-running, nocturnal insect, often considered a pest. Used here to refer to an actual insect appearing at an event.
Examples:
- The sudden appearance of a cockroach sent a shiver down her spine.
- After the party, a lone cockroach scurried across the kitchen floor.
- He tried to stomp on the cockroach, but it was too quick and disappeared under the fridge.
Each of four parts of a circle, plane, or sphere divided by two lines or planes at right angles. Here, it refers to a specific section or area of a city.
Examples:
- The city was divided into four distinct quadrants, each with its own unique character.
- The new development occupied the northeastern quadrant of the park.
- We searched every quadrant of the map to find the hidden treasure.
A colloquial term, short for 'brother,' often used informally to address a male friend or acquaintance, or to refer to a type of young man perceived as having a certain lifestyle or attitude.
Examples:
- Hey bro, want to grab some lunch later?
- He's always hanging out with his bros at the gym.
- The new marketing campaign was clearly targeted at the 'bro' demographic, with its extreme sports imagery.
In a way that is impossible; beyond the bounds of possibility or reasonableness. Used here to emphasize an extreme degree.
Examples:
- The task seemed impossibly difficult, but they managed to complete it.
- She was impossibly tall, towering over everyone else in the room.
- The deadline was impossibly tight, requiring them to work through the night.
An uncastrated adult male horse. Figuratively, it can refer to something powerful, wild, or impressive.
Examples:
- The majestic black stallion galloped across the open field.
- He rode a magnificent stallion, known for its speed and strength.
- The new sports car was a real stallion, powerful and untamed on the track.
Tending to drip or be wet; also, informally, can mean dull, uninteresting, or overly sentimental. Here, it's likely used informally to describe something stylish or cool, possibly with a sense of being 'fresh' or 'hip,' though the exact nuance can vary.
Examples:
- The old faucet was constantly drippy, wasting a lot of water.
- Her new outfit was incredibly drippy, with all the latest trends.
- The artist's latest work was described as 'drippy' for its innovative and edgy style.
The business of a broker; a company that buys and sells goods or assets for others.
Examples:
- He decided to open an account with a reputable online brokerage firm.
- The real estate brokerage handled all the transactions for the property sale.
- Many investors rely on brokerage services to manage their stock portfolios.
To walk with short steps and a swaying motion, like a duck.
Examples:
- The toddler began to waddle across the room, still unsteady on her feet.
- The penguin's comical waddle made the crowd laugh.
- After a heavy meal, he could only waddle slowly back to his chair.
A person who attends school, often specified by their level of education (e.g., high schooler, middle schooler).
Examples:
- The high schooler was busy preparing for her college entrance exams.
- As a middle schooler, he was just starting to develop his love for science.
- Every elementary schooler eagerly anticipated the annual field trip to the zoo.
Influence or power, especially in politics or business.
Examples:
- Having a strong network can give you significant clout in the professional world.
- The celebrity used her considerable clout to advocate for environmental causes.
- He gained political clout after successfully campaigning for the new city initiative.