A third-year Civil Engineering student, Francis Fiifi, faced a common yet challenging decision: pursue an internship to build his professional network or secure a job to meet pressing financial needs during the vacation period. For many tertiary students, vacation internships are viewed as essential stepping stones for practical experience and career development.
However, for Francis, the immediate need to support himself financially took precedence. During his vacation, Francis chose work over an internship, engaging in script checking for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for both the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In December, he also worked as an Electoral Commission Officer for the Cape Coast North Constituency during the election period. “I decided that if I’m going to have a compulsory internship anyway, why not work for some money now and do the internship later?”
Francis explained, highlighting his pragmatic approach to balancing academic demands with financial responsibilities. Francis’s decision reflects the broader reality faced by many students who must navigate the intersection of academic expectations and personal financial pressures.
While internships remain a valuable pathway to professional growth, Francis’s choice underscores the adaptability and resilience required to address immediate needs without losing sight of long-term goals. His journey demonstrates the evolving challenges students encounter in managing their priorities, proving that sometimes unconventional decisions can pave the way for unique growth opportunities.