To what extent does socioeconomic status affect how Princeton students receive job and internship opportunities and how do these prospects influence eventual career plans?

Abstract

My study analyzes the extent to which socioeconomic status affects how Princeton University students attain internships as well as how these employment opportunities influence career strategies and aspirations. I conducted twenty-six interviews with students in their junior and senior years at Princeton University to gain an insight into how socioeconomic status has affected their internship opportunities and the effect these experiences had on their long-term career plans. I found that students from wealthier backgrounds were more likely to garner an internship through a family network but also observed that the majority of the respondents within this study received opportunities through the University and its vast alumni network. I also discovered that internships had a very important effect on career plans and interests, as the majority of the respondents had positive experiences within these employment positions.