Interning in Austin? (San Antonio, West, Manor: apartment complex, to rent, home)

[polkadotpudding]

So I'm about to graduate from college and I've applied for a few Austin internships that I really want (namely one with the Governor's office) problem is I don't know if moving to Austin for just an internship is worth it? Especially if they're unpaid. I know I'd probably need to get a part time job to start saving money and all but should I just commute to and from San Antonio (where home is)? Or would it make my life a whole lot easier to just make the move to Austin?

Also if I did move, what are the best places/areas in Austin to rent a studio apartment? I don't need anything fancy but I don't want to live in some one-star roach infested apartment complex either...

[austin-steve]

Why do you want an internship after graduating?
Why not a job in your major?

[centralaustinite]

You are from SA? Don't you know someone in Austin who will let you crash with them?

You have free lodging in SA? You should already be saving $. Use your college network and try to find some solutions. If the internship is short term, 1-3 months, then commuting might not be a bad option if you can't couch surf.

[polkadotpudding]

I'd be interning for experience. To say I've interned at the governor's office would look pretty good on a resume. And it might lead to employment. I never bothered interning in college mostly because I was in summer school during the summer so it'd be nice to have some sort of resume booster since my major is history and it's not exactly a major employers are dying to hire.

Unfortunately couch surfing doesn't really appeal to me, I'm already a terrible sleeper with an erratic sleeping schedule I don't think sleeping on a couch for a few months would help.

[ImOnFiya]

Here are some 'moderately priced' apartment areas to check out close to downtown:

Central Austin - Woodrow Ave.
East Austin - Manor Rd.
South Austin - Lightsey Rd./Woodward St.
Southeast Austin - Riverside Dr./E. Oltorf St.

Good luck!

[Austin97]

You should just get a job.

[RooCeleste]

The Governor's Office (as well as many other state agencies) regularly has Program Specialist positions posted. Why not just apply for them and get paid (and benefits) for your efforts? A Program Specialist is a great starting position fresh out of college.

[mesmer]

Sublet.

[Westerner92]

I think you guys saying he should just get a job underestimate how cutthroat the entry-level job market is in today's world. Even with two internships in a STEM field, it was only through sheer luck/networking that I managed to get my job. Interning is one of the main ways you distinguish yourself in your field, and you'll have a hard time finding a job without one much of the time.

That said, you honestly might be better off staying in San Antonio if you have free lodging. Compare the cost of a monthly rent here in Austin vs. the cost of gas + 2-3 hours of commute time each day.

[rangergrit]

Originally Posted by Westerner92

I think you guys saying he should just get a job underestimate how cutthroat the entry-level job market is in today's world. Even with two internships in a STEM field, it was only through sheer luck/networking that I managed to get my job. Interning is one of the main ways you distinguish yourself in your field, and you'll have a hard time finding a job without one much of the time.

Are you aware the majority opinion in AUS is "Interning" is the the privileged taking advantage of the oppressed? Unions and others are trying to make that illegal.