Flickr user NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
“Should I get a summer job or internship?” is an interesting question that high-schoolers are faced with. Both offer amazing benefits but they each have their downsides too. Whether a summer job or an internship is the right choice for you depends on what you are looking to get out of the experience.
A snapshot of the pros and cons of each will help you make the right decision.
Pros of Taking on a Summer Job
Working during the summer can help you earn money that can be used to help cover the cost of college. The more of your personal funds you put towards your education, the lower the student loan debt in your adult life.
Taking on a summer job teaches you valuable life skills. Your organization and time management skills will improve and so will your communication abilities. These talents will also help you in your college years.
When you have to make do with what you earn, you will learn the value of money and how to budget your finances. It’s quite different from borrowing money from your parents.
Cons of Taking on a Summer Job
Free time won’t be as plentiful with a summer job, even if it’s part time. That means less time hanging out with your friends, participating in activities, or kicking back and relaxing at the pool.
You may be earning decent wages with your summer job, but if it has nothing to do with your intended career path, you may not get that work experience that would hold you in good stead when the time comes to apply for a job.
Pros of Doing a Summer Internship
Doing an internship during the summer can give you that all-important insider look in a field of study you wish to pursue. This insight will help you either solidify your career choice or help you realize that it is not the right fit for you.
You will get the opportunity to network with professionals in your prospective career. Make a right impression at the workplace and these professionals will go out of their way to help you out, whether as a mentor while you are in college or to give you a job opportunity after you a graduate.
The work experience will look good on your resume.
Cons of Doing a Summer Internship
Some internships are unpaid internships, meaning that while you’re earning valuable experience, you won’t earn money for your hard work. If money is tight, this may not be an ideal option.
Is your time better spent earning money at a summer job or getting unpaid but relevant work experience at an internship? It’s a tough choice but in the end you have to make a choice depending on what you are looking to get out of the opportunity.
In An Ideal World…
If you start your search early, you may be lucky enough to find a paid internship opportunity so you can earn some money while getting valuable work experience in your intended field. Now that would be a classic win-win for you.
Use College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates side by side!
