A brand new Web site known as Youintern.com has just recently been launched for students looking to learn about and seek internships available to them on the Internet.
The Web site is founded and run by two advertising executives, Anad Chopra-McGowan and Daniel Chaparian, and two undergraduate Boston University juniors, Jason Kahn and Jeff Li.
The site is directed to those in advertising and marketing, but there are plans to expand to other industries as well.
The idea for Youintern.com came from the founder's understanding that there was no real place on the Internet where students could get information on internships in one central location.
The main goal for the Web site is the "democratization of the internship process," said Chopra-McGowan. "All the information is available to everyone, whether you're in a small place or big, or if you're in your city or another. [Youintern.com] gives you the information to make a good decision about your internship."
Once reaching the page, navigation is simple, and after registering, one is able to search, browse or review any internship available on the Web site. Reviews are posted directly by students who wish to share their experience with others about their past work with internships that are offered on the site. Not only that, but students are able to get expertise advice and comments from professionals in the advertising and public relations industries.
However, Chopra-McGowan says he feels the review section is the most effective part of the Web site.
"There are other sites out there where you can apply for an internship, but not where you have the ability to get insider info from people at a certain company," he said. "Sometimes a company will say their internship is great, but an intern might disagree."
Youintern.com has also formed a partnership with Arnold Worldwide, which is a highly respected advertising agency that has agreed to interview three ambitious and motivated students from the site for a possible position at their firm.
"We really want to make this beneficial to all parties, to serve as a link between students and companies." said Chopra-McGowan.
Maurice Haynes, VP, Director of Worklife at Arnold Worldwide also feels that this site and partnership is a great idea.
"[Youintern.com] is really providing a forum for prospective employers, and for students to learn something about the internship process," he said. "It's creating a pipeline for the future of stronger interns. In the long run, it will give us [Arnold Worldwide] a stronger pool of applicants to choose from."
Like Chopra-McGowan, Haynes believes that the review aspect of the site will be one of the most beneficial tools Youintern.com has to offer.
"It's a win-win situation. We're providing information to students about what we want, and they're providing information for us," he said. "The service provides the opportunity to get fresh ideas. Any information is good information."
With everything Youintern.com has to offer, the Web site has high hopes for becoming an effective device for students seeking internships.
"Students will have a much more rewarding experience. Employers can see this and improve their program as well," said Chopra-McGowan. "The spread of information will lead to much more rewarding internships."
Jessica Sacco can be reached at jsacco@student.umass.edu.
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