Saunders says not all internships were filled because of a lower number of applicants, and also because "in some cases, there were more than 30 applications for one internship. But when they didn't get it, they didn't apply to others."
Students submit a resume and cover letter to OCS, then the office either forwards them to the sponsor for evaluation or selects the intern itself.
Saunders says that despite advertising, getting the word out has been difficult.
She calls the number of applicants "disappointing," and says "the allure of warm beaches and cold slopes appears to prevent us from achieving a higher placement rate."
Saunders offers the good economy as another possible reason for students staying away.
"In a very good economy, students are less concerned about spending the first five days of spring break in a career-learning opportunity because they feel confident they will move into a summer job or full time job effortlessly," she says.
Hanging With the VP
Six students spent part of their break on the 13-stop, two-day New Hampshire tour of Vice President Al Gore '69. They organized the motorcade and the overnight arrangements for the staff, and also drove cars in the motorcade.
Marc Stad '01 says he got this opportunity by being part of the advance team which organized Gore's trip to Manchester, N.H., the first of his campaign. He was asked to return to help with another trip.
Stad acted as the RON (Remain Over Night), and was in charge of the staff's overnight stay and distributing a list of news events for the day.
Luther G. Williams '00 was charged with organizing the motorcade, getting cars and drivers, directing drivers and overseeing security for the cars.
"It was a lot of thinking on your feet," says Williams.
Stad says his job was very logistical and he was struck by the amount of responsibility he had.
"It's phenomenal that 19-year-old sophomores in college could take on this responsibility," he says.
Stad says that at the end of the week, when Gore walked off Air Force II, he gave Stad and the other students a high five and a thank you.
"He's really energetic and personable," says Stad.
However students spend spring break, it seems there is always an element of relaxation. But alternative spring breakers have the opportunity to do some volunteering and learning, as well as lounging, during their week away from classes.
As Stad puts it, the various programs allow for students to gain an experience which he calls "stepping back from the theoretical and getting into the practical."