The Right Way Is The Hard Way
February 17, 2026
These days, everyone is trying to make things faster and easier. I’m not sure that works when you’re trying to do something meaningful and original. The right way is often the hard way. No shortcuts.
My son has been exploring internships in Sydney. He asked if I had references. I don’t. So I asked him what he had done so far. “Not much,” he said. Some desktop research. A few conversations here and there.
And that’s when it became clear. There is no shortcut to securing a good internship. You have to do the unglamorous work. List the companies. Figure out the right people. Make the calls if needed. Then do the harder part: write to each one like you actually understand what they do and where you fit. Not cut and paste.
The effort you put in is the real signal. People can feel it.
I am glad my son agrees with me on this !!
