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Full-time job or Internship after grad?

I was wondering which one is suitable for fresh grads, full-time job or long-term internship?
I was thinking full-time job could offer you a stable position somehow, nevertheless, I thought internship would probably be a better choice before you really determine your mind to make commitment to one industry in which internship could offer you more flexibility and options?
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Dexter’s Answer

Hi Jia,

At my company, internships aren't offered to students who have already graduated college. Given that, I'm not sure what kind of choices you'd have after graduations.

May I ask what field you're in?

If it's computer science, IT, or program management, I can tell you that I think it'll be best for you to get a full-time job. This is because in the fields I mentioned, especially in the Bay Area, you can really get a good sense of what the job will be. And you know what, after a year or two, if you find out that you really don't enjoy the company, you can always change companies. Remember that we're in a capitalist society where there are no loyalties between companies and employees. Even if you are the most loyal employee, the company may fire you at anytime for any reasons (in California anyways, where it's at-will employment) and even if your company is super loyal to you, you can change jobs at anytime.

I do recommend staying at least a few years at each employment stop, as jumping around too much can dissuade future employers from hiring you.

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck and I hope you make the choice that works best for you and your situation. This answer is just what I would do. :)

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Dexter
Thank you comment icon Hi Dexter, Highly appreciate your insightful sharing and detailed advice which was of great help! I'm considering entering consulting or IB industry after grad, nevertheless, those 2 fields are typically quite competitive in which all the qualified candidates need to have at least some pertinent working experience in those industry thru internship before they could get the full-time job offer. No need to mention if my dream companies are all top firms of this industry.Thus, what concerns me at this point is that I have no idea abt what consultant or analyst reli do in their daily routine as I hadn't caught any chances yet to be an intern in either fields. Thank you once again for your generous helping hand! Looking forward to hearing from you again. Eve JIA YI
Thank you comment icon Hi Jia, thanks for the comment back. I don't know how those industries work, so I hope someone with IB or consulting experience can answer your question. Good luck! Dexter Arver
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Shay’s Answer

I would say it depends on what your next step is. If you aim to go into graduate school in the semester after you graduate, you could take a graduate internship. A lot of graduate internships are paid, so the financial expenses would be less of a problem. However, I would recommend getting a full-time job. These jobs pay a lot more than internships, and it can definitely get your career jump-started. Even if you wanted to change, having job experience after graduation would look a lot more favorable than having internship experience.
Thank you comment icon Hi Shay, Thanks a lot for your constructive suggestion in the first place. Yes, I'm about to continue master study this year which would totally take me 1 year to complete. I'm thinking to accumulate internship during this year and if necessary, i don't mind getting a grad internship right after grad as my dream job is either consulting or IB which reli put pertinent working experience into very consideration. Hence it's impossible for me to get a full-time job right after grad w/o any relevant experience in those 2 fields. I'm 100% willing to get a grad internship to get myself prepared for those competitive occupation or at least I could get more perception towards those professions before I reli determined to make commitment to it. Appreciate your time and words. Eve JIA YI
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Alison’s Answer

Hi Jia Yi, I would second the advice above on making the best decision for your specific career area of interest. You could do research on your own or get in touch with professors or others you know in the industry to find out the best option. Given the uncertainty we're living in now, I know a lot of companies have cancelled their internships and have shifted instead to entry-level jobs. I don't think it hurts to consider both options; for example, if a company you're really interested in is offering an entry-level job, go ahead and apply! Personally, I think it's good to gain experience early (depending on your career area of course), and even if you don't end up staying within the same industry, the work experience you have can help you make more informed decisions on another career choice.

It's definitely ok to switch jobs or industries--a lot of people change jobs several times throughout their career journey. No matter what you end up choosing, full-time or internship, do the same research into the company to make sure you're getting the experience you need from that role. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Abby, Thanks a lot for your encouraging and warm words! Yep I couldn't agree with you more that I need to attain as much experience as I could at early stage. However, I'm still struggling with that LOL But I do keep searching and trying to find a suitable position for me and hope it works out eventually! Appreciate your time and help:) Best, Eve JIA YI
Thank you comment icon No problem, glad I could help! It sounds like you're putting a lot of effort and dedication, wishing you the best in your search! Alison Yen
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