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Is it better for me to do an internship or to work at a part-time job during the summer?
I had a lot of options to do in the summer, but I am not sure which one I wanted to do, so I want to see others’ opinion on this particular question. It would be great if there were other options besides the two I mentioned above!
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3 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey, Jacky,
Alright so let’s just break this down—and have some fun while we’re at it! 🤗
Internship vs. Part-Time Job: The Ultimate Summer Showdown😎
You’ve got two big contenders here:
Internship (THE. “Career Booster Mode”)
Part-Time Job (OR. “Money & Life Skills Mode”)
Both have their perks, and honestly, neither is a bad choice. But let’s go deeper.🤔
1. The Case for Internships – Marian made a great point—internships can give you an inside look at a field, help you figure out what you love (or hate), and hook you up with connections that might come in handy later. Plus, some internships turn into actual job offers.
And not to forget to Mention: If you’re struggling to land a formal internship, create your own! Reach out to small businesses or startups and offer to help with something they need (social media, research, organizing events, etc.). Sometimes, those smaller, less-structured experiences teach you more than a big corporate internship ever could.
2. The Case for Part-Time Jobs – Bright highlighted a key point—part-time jobs give you financial freedom and practical life skills. Even if the job isn’t in your dream field, you’ll learn things like customer service, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving (trust me, handling an angry customer is elite-level skill-building).
Sooooo: If you do go the part-time job route, find ways to squeeze career-relevant experience out of it. Want to work in marketing? See if you can help with promotions at your job. Thinking about business? Pay attention to how the store or company operates. You can turn almost any job into a mini learning experience if you’re intentional about it.
3. The Wild Card Options😏 (Because Life Isn’t Just A or B)🙂↕️
You can try Freelancing: so if you Got a skill like writing, coding, or design? Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you make money and build a portfolio at the same time. Students actually do this.
Then obviously volunteering: This can give you leadership experience while making a difference. Plus, some volunteering gigs (like working with nonprofits) can look just as good as internships on a résumé.
Personal Projects: Ever wanted to start a blog, a YouTube channel, or build an app? Summer is prime time for passion projects that could turn into something big. It's actually best time to start this. You never know where it can take you too.
Now, Learning Something New: An online course or certification can be a sneaky way to get ahead while everyone else is just working.
4. A great move is to.... Mix & Match
Who says you have to choose just one? You could do: 😏🤫
A part-time job + a short internship
An internship + a freelance gig on the side
A job that pays while also teaching you skills in your field 🙌
Jacky, Choose Based on Future You!
Ask yourself: “What will make Future Me say, ‘Dang, I’m glad I did that’?” If money is a priority, go for the job. If career experience matters more, go for the internship. If neither feels right, explore a third option.
Whatever you do, don’t waste summer just waiting for life to happen—make something happen. You got so many options and doors just don't forget to take action, because anyone can keep thinking! All the best! 🤗
If you're still torn between an internship and a job, why not spend a few days shadowing someone in a career you're curious about? This is like a no-commitment test drive for your future. Find a mentor, a family friend, or even reach out on LinkedIn and ask if you can observe them at work for a day or two. You'll get real-world exposure without the pressure of a full internship, and it might even help you decide what direction to take next. Best part? It’s low effort but high impact—and you never know what connections you might make!
Alright so let’s just break this down—and have some fun while we’re at it! 🤗
Internship vs. Part-Time Job: The Ultimate Summer Showdown😎
You’ve got two big contenders here:
Internship (THE. “Career Booster Mode”)
Part-Time Job (OR. “Money & Life Skills Mode”)
Both have their perks, and honestly, neither is a bad choice. But let’s go deeper.🤔
1. The Case for Internships – Marian made a great point—internships can give you an inside look at a field, help you figure out what you love (or hate), and hook you up with connections that might come in handy later. Plus, some internships turn into actual job offers.
And not to forget to Mention: If you’re struggling to land a formal internship, create your own! Reach out to small businesses or startups and offer to help with something they need (social media, research, organizing events, etc.). Sometimes, those smaller, less-structured experiences teach you more than a big corporate internship ever could.
2. The Case for Part-Time Jobs – Bright highlighted a key point—part-time jobs give you financial freedom and practical life skills. Even if the job isn’t in your dream field, you’ll learn things like customer service, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving (trust me, handling an angry customer is elite-level skill-building).
Sooooo: If you do go the part-time job route, find ways to squeeze career-relevant experience out of it. Want to work in marketing? See if you can help with promotions at your job. Thinking about business? Pay attention to how the store or company operates. You can turn almost any job into a mini learning experience if you’re intentional about it.
3. The Wild Card Options😏 (Because Life Isn’t Just A or B)🙂↕️
You can try Freelancing: so if you Got a skill like writing, coding, or design? Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you make money and build a portfolio at the same time. Students actually do this.
Then obviously volunteering: This can give you leadership experience while making a difference. Plus, some volunteering gigs (like working with nonprofits) can look just as good as internships on a résumé.
Personal Projects: Ever wanted to start a blog, a YouTube channel, or build an app? Summer is prime time for passion projects that could turn into something big. It's actually best time to start this. You never know where it can take you too.
Now, Learning Something New: An online course or certification can be a sneaky way to get ahead while everyone else is just working.
4. A great move is to.... Mix & Match
Who says you have to choose just one? You could do: 😏🤫
A part-time job + a short internship
An internship + a freelance gig on the side
A job that pays while also teaching you skills in your field 🙌
Jacky, Choose Based on Future You!
Ask yourself: “What will make Future Me say, ‘Dang, I’m glad I did that’?” If money is a priority, go for the job. If career experience matters more, go for the internship. If neither feels right, explore a third option.
Whatever you do, don’t waste summer just waiting for life to happen—make something happen. You got so many options and doors just don't forget to take action, because anyone can keep thinking! All the best! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Your advice was so helpful!
Tiger
Dr H gave an outstanding breakdown of options, encouraging a proactive and strategic approach—brilliantly insightful.
Uran James
Thank you so much, Uran! I'm thrilled the breakdown was helpful. It’s all about finding that balance between passion and practicality, and I’m glad we could agree those options together. Keep up the great work and inspiration! 🙌
Dr H
Thank you and you are welcome . I am happy too to be part of this platform for the juniors.
Uran James
Updated
Marian’s Answer
That’s a solid question, and honestly, I’ve been in the same spot before. When I was trying to figure out how to spend my summer, I ended up going with an internship as a technology consultant. It helped me figure out what I liked (and what I didn’t), which made a huge difference when thinking about my next steps. Plus, the connections I made were just as valuable as the experience itself.
That said, a part-time job can be just as worthwhile, especially if you need the money or want more flexibility. Even if it’s not directly related to your career, you’re still building skills—how to work with people, manage your time, solve problems on the fly. Those things matter no matter what field you end up in.
But honestly, summer doesn’t have to be just one or the other. If neither of those feels quite right, there are other ways to make it count. Freelancing is a great option if you have a skill like coding, design, or writing. Volunteering can give you leadership experience while making an impact. Or maybe you use the time to learn something new, take an online course, start a project, or even travel if you have the chance. I'd consider what kind of career/ industry I'm interested in and see what others with similar interest are doing.
That said, a part-time job can be just as worthwhile, especially if you need the money or want more flexibility. Even if it’s not directly related to your career, you’re still building skills—how to work with people, manage your time, solve problems on the fly. Those things matter no matter what field you end up in.
But honestly, summer doesn’t have to be just one or the other. If neither of those feels quite right, there are other ways to make it count. Freelancing is a great option if you have a skill like coding, design, or writing. Volunteering can give you leadership experience while making an impact. Or maybe you use the time to learn something new, take an online course, start a project, or even travel if you have the chance. I'd consider what kind of career/ industry I'm interested in and see what others with similar interest are doing.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Jacky
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Tiger
Marian Liu shared a personal, experience-driven take, making the advice relatable and valuable—excellent perspective!
Uran James
Updated
Bright’s Answer
The choice between internships and part-time jobs depends on individual goals and circumstances. Internships offer career development, networking, and potential for future employment, while part-time jobs provide financial security, flexibility, and the opportunity to develop transferable skills. However, they may not be relevant to career goals, can be time-consuming, and may not offer limited growth opportunities.
Other options include volunteering, summer courses, personal projects, travel, and skill-based learning. For career-focused individuals, internships are generally better, while part-time jobs may be more suitable for those needing substantial income. Combining both options is possible, such as a part-time internship and a part-time job.
When choosing an internship, consider your long-term goals, financial needs, and the pros and cons of each option. Don't be afraid to explore different opportunities and network with people around you.
In conclusion, the best decision depends on your individual goals, financial needs, and the importance of networking. Consider your long-term goals, financial needs, and the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Networking with people around you will help you make the best decision for your summer.
Other options include volunteering, summer courses, personal projects, travel, and skill-based learning. For career-focused individuals, internships are generally better, while part-time jobs may be more suitable for those needing substantial income. Combining both options is possible, such as a part-time internship and a part-time job.
When choosing an internship, consider your long-term goals, financial needs, and the pros and cons of each option. Don't be afraid to explore different opportunities and network with people around you.
In conclusion, the best decision depends on your individual goals, financial needs, and the importance of networking. Consider your long-term goals, financial needs, and the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Networking with people around you will help you make the best decision for your summer.