Vincent Campanaro, a freshman at New York University, has invested approximately $10,000 in travel expenses for the unique opportunity to intern with The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, a commitment involving a super-commute of over three hours by flight every weekend.
Campanaro’s endeavor reflects the lengths to which individuals are willing to go for career advancement in today’s competitive job market. The business development intern, a student at NYU’s Stern School of Business, began the six-month internship in November and has since balanced a rigorous academic schedule with his weekend commitments at the luxury hotel chain.
“The internship market in general is incredibly competitive right now. So you’ve got people applying with, say, perfect test scores, perfect GPA, everything, and they send 200 applications in, they don’t get a single offer,” emphasizing the challenges faced by many Gen Z job seekers.
His weekly journey begins each Friday after classes end at 12:15 p.m., when he rushes to the airport to fly to Florida, and concludes with his return to New York by 9 p.m. on Sunday. This grueling schedule occasionally leaves him stranded at airports due to unforeseen flight changes and delays.
The experience, as taxing as it is, remains “worth it” to Campanaro. “I’ve learned so much just about the Ritz-Carlton philosophy and customer centricity, all of that, and just sort of anticipating the needs and wants of your guests,” he said on Varney & Co. The internship offers “highly competitive” compensation, and discounted rates at Marriott group hotels have helped offset some of the financial burdens.
The sacrifices and costs are contrasted by the limited job prospects many of his peers encounter. A recent survey for the Prince’s Trust annual NatWest Youth Index 2024 highlighted that one in 10 unemployed Gen Zers in the U.K. had to turn down a job due to associated costs. In contrast, Campanaro’s commitment indicates a different set of priorities, valuing experience and opportunity over the typical Gen Z focus on work-life balance and mental health.
“I don’t see all of this as work but as the pursuit of my passions. Each task I embark on is driven by sincere interest and ambition, making every day an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth,” he said. Meanwhile, Campanaro’s manager has accommodated his super-commute, recognizing the exceptional nature of his situation, which includes discounted accommodations as a Marriott associate and a full-time study schedule that aligns with his work commitments.
Relevant articles:
– Gen Z NYU student pays $10K to get to Ritz-Carlton internship, Fortune
– I’m an NYU student who commutes from New York to Florida every weekend for my internship. I’ve spent nearly $10,000 on travel., Business Insider, Mar 3, 2024
– NYU freshman spending $10K to travel to Florida each weekend for 6-month internship, New York Post, Mar 11, 2024