3 answers
Johann
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What are the pros/cons to post-grad internships?
Hello, I'm a rising electrical engineer. I'll finish my degree in 3 years but I'll have to take a few pre-requisites over the summer. I might not have time for internships unless I cram 16 credit hours this summer. I wanted to know what my options were in terms of delaying graduation or taking internships post-graduation and the pros/cons for each. Am I missing something?
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3 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
238
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Johann,
Having your internships during the course of your studies would really be helpful as this gives you more time to get exposed to practical work. Practical knowledge, acquired through experience, tends to set us apart as it improves our competence. Given your circumstances, you can still have it at the end of undergraduate studies. Missing it altogether is not advisable. What is most important, however, is the quality of your internships.
Being able to get things done on time and to the required standard is what truly counts. Competence helps us to do this.
Knowledge is the foundation for competence. Critical skills enable us optimumly utilize knowledge and other resources available to us. We need to be able to plan, schedule & execute activities and/or work. Being able to identify and resolve problems doesn't only help us resolve challenges, it also helps us create improvements. Some of these improvements come in the form of innovations.
Being able to organize ourselves and our activities is an important skills too. Ability to work in teams makes it easier for us to win & succeed. Effective communication is a core requirement for team dynamics. This needs to be a two way traffic.
Modern decision making is driven by data. Our ability to collate, analyze & critically evaluate information improves the quality of the decisions we make.
How well we manage our time influences how much we achieve each day. Time management therefore remains a critical skill.
To be able to get the best out of ourselves and others, we need to be able to manage not only our own emotions but also the emotions of others - often referred to as Emotional Intelligence (EQ). This is the single most important factor in determining our success at the place of work.
Focusing on the above during your internships will greatly improve your level of competence.
Having your internships during the course of your studies would really be helpful as this gives you more time to get exposed to practical work. Practical knowledge, acquired through experience, tends to set us apart as it improves our competence. Given your circumstances, you can still have it at the end of undergraduate studies. Missing it altogether is not advisable. What is most important, however, is the quality of your internships.
Being able to get things done on time and to the required standard is what truly counts. Competence helps us to do this.
Knowledge is the foundation for competence. Critical skills enable us optimumly utilize knowledge and other resources available to us. We need to be able to plan, schedule & execute activities and/or work. Being able to identify and resolve problems doesn't only help us resolve challenges, it also helps us create improvements. Some of these improvements come in the form of innovations.
Being able to organize ourselves and our activities is an important skills too. Ability to work in teams makes it easier for us to win & succeed. Effective communication is a core requirement for team dynamics. This needs to be a two way traffic.
Modern decision making is driven by data. Our ability to collate, analyze & critically evaluate information improves the quality of the decisions we make.
How well we manage our time influences how much we achieve each day. Time management therefore remains a critical skill.
To be able to get the best out of ourselves and others, we need to be able to manage not only our own emotions but also the emotions of others - often referred to as Emotional Intelligence (EQ). This is the single most important factor in determining our success at the place of work.
Focusing on the above during your internships will greatly improve your level of competence.
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
52
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Johann,
If possible, don't delay graduation. Get you maser's degree if you can stay in school a little longer. After that, you will find plenty of opportunities and you will start with a much better pay. The master's degree will pre-qualify you for promotion to management roles much earlier.
Internships during bachelor's degree are good, but the interruption that they cause in the flow of coursework completion may be too much for many students.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
If possible, don't delay graduation. Get you maser's degree if you can stay in school a little longer. After that, you will find plenty of opportunities and you will start with a much better pay. The master's degree will pre-qualify you for promotion to management roles much earlier.
Internships during bachelor's degree are good, but the interruption that they cause in the flow of coursework completion may be too much for many students.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Angela Remsen
Event Coordinator
2
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Angela’s Answer
All pros. As long as you can swing it financially, taking an internship right out of school is an excellent choice! It's a great way to get real world experience, network, and your foot in the door. And everyone there will know you are available to hire immediately, which is a huge plus!