We asked Alumni to share whether they recommend full-time positions or internships for summer employment.
Here is what they shared:
- Choose Internships Aligned with Career Goals
- Internships Enhance Learning and Job Prospects
- Internships Offer Long-Term Professional Value
- Internships Expose You to Multiple Career Paths
- Internships Are a Stepping-Stone to Full-Time Positions
- Use Internships to Access Top Firms
Choose Internships Aligned with Career Goals
If you are a student with a light schedule or no classes over the summer, you might be wondering what is a better way to advance your career: finding an internship or a full-time job? I think either is valuable as long as you are intentional about the role you are taking and that it is aligned with the industry you want to be in. Getting paid a higher salary outside your hopeful career might feel great to get you some extra money now, but that unpaid internship in your field might be the one offering you a job six months later after the internship wraps up, which is what happened in my case. Those connections also ended up helping me when I started my first business and still do to this day, 16 years later!
Eric Mulvin, B.S. Marketing 08, CEO, Pac Biz Outsourcing
Internships Enhance Learning and Job Prospects
I would highly recommend that current students focus on securing internships during their undergraduate summers. From my experience managing an actuarial science college degree program with internship opportunities, internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, understand the dynamics of your chosen industry, and build a network of professional contacts. My students have discovered that experiences are not just about adding a line to your resume. They also allow you to apply the theory you have been learning in class in real-world settings, which can significantly enhance your learning and development.
Internships can also serve as a crucial stepping stone to full-time employment. Again, from my experience with my actuarial students, many companies view internships as a trial period or extended interview, which can lead to job offers post-graduation if you perform well. By securing internships, you’re not only gaining experience but also potentially easing the transition into a full-time role within your desired field.
Dr. Mark Farrell (FIA), Fulbright Scholar for the School of Mathematical and Statistical Science ‘17, Founder, CEO, Associate Professor & Actuary, ProActuary Jobs
Internships Offer Long-Term Professional Value
While it’s tempting to go for a job during the summer to earn some extra cash, an internship can provide more long-term value, especially if you find a company you love. An internship can help you expand your network, hone your professional skills, and apply what you’ve learned in class to real-life situations. It will also allow you to gain experience and develop relationships early if the company turns out to be the one that offers you an opportunity once you graduate.
Ash Hachmeister, B.S. Marketing ‘00, CEO, beni.fit
Internships Expose You to Multiple Career Paths
I would suggest focusing on targeting an internship with a company that you admire and would consider working with upon graduation. An internship is a unique experience and generally only available to students. Many internships will be structured to expose interns to numerous roles/departments within the company. This will allow you to experience firsthand multiple career options and obtain a better understanding of their business model and company culture across various departments.
If you take on a full-time job, you run the risk of ‘writing off’ a potential employer when it may be a great company but just the wrong role for you personally. You will also need to consider your personal financial situation and the compensation structure of the internship (if any) versus a full-time job.
Ryan Quigley, B.S. Business Management, Minor in Real Estate ‘13, Wealth Advisor, Beacon Pointe Advisors
Internships Are a Stepping-Stone to Full-Time Positions
As an alumna of Arizona State University, I strongly advise current students to prioritize securing internships during their summers. It was the invaluable experience I gained during my junior and senior years of college that ultimately led to my first full-time position after graduation. Employers highly value hands-on experience, making internships a crucial stepping-stone. Despite juggling full-time studies and a part-time job, I pursued two unpaid and one minimum-wage internship. Discovering your passion and gaining entry into your desired field through internships is invaluable advice I offer to college students, as it not only helps clarify career interests but also informs future decisions. Class of 2012, Communications.
Susanna Satta, B.A. Communications and Media Studies ‘12, Creative Director
Use Internships to Access Top Firms
Don’t waste the opportunity to land an internship. You’ll never get the same opportunity again.
But don’t just get an internship because it’s an internship. Get an internship at a place where you’d never, ever be able to get your foot in the door. If you’re studying design, get an internship at one of the best design firms in the world, as opposed to getting an internship at a local marketing firm just because you feel like you need to get an internship for the summer.
You don’t need to get an internship. Instead, use an internship to your advantage. Get an internship, get your foot in the door, and make your mark.
Rani Sweis, B.S. Marketing ‘09, Chief Creative, Attic Salt
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