If you’re looking to gain work experience over your summer break, you have two main options: an internship or a paid job. Which is the better option for you will depend on the following factors.
1. Pay
A job will pay an hourly wage or a salary, either of which will be at least minimum wage. Internships are often unpaid, although some companies offer paid positions, especially if candidates need to have relevant experience.
2. Temporary vs Permanent Positions
Internships last for a set period of time, which may be several weeks or a couple months. However, it’s not uncommon for students to receive a job offer after their internship finishes, particularly if they’re about to graduate.
Jobs for the summer are likely to be seasonal, meaning they’ll also be for a set amount of time. However, you may be able to work the same job again the following summer. If you choose a permanent position, you may be able to continue working part time when you return to university.
3. Qualification Requirements
You may be limited in what kinds of positions you’re able to apply for depending on the qualifications you have. Internships are often only open to students who have almost completed their degree. Seasonal and part-time jobs may want you to have certifications to prove your expertise in a particular skill.
4. Skills Development
Both internships and jobs help you develop skills and gain valuable experience for your resume. However, if you’re looking to gain experience in a particular area, one may be more valuable than the other. For instance, an internship is more likely to give you experience in the field you want to enter after graduation, whereas a job may teach you transferable skills that are suitable for any field.
5. Explore a Particular Career
If you’re still unsure about what you want to do after you graduate, trying out some possible options may help you come to a decision. An internship is ideal for seeing what it would be like to work in a particular position or company. You may be able to find a paid job in an industry you’d like to explore further, but it’s less likely you’ll be able to find something directly related to your career goals.
6. Gain Credit
If you want to use your summer to earn more credit to count toward your degree, an internship may be ideal. In fact, it may be a graduation requirement for your major, meaning you will need to take an internship at some point. Bear in mind, though, you can also gain credit over the summer while working a paid job: by taking summer classes.
It may be a good idea to find an internship or job near your school, as this will leave open the possibility of continuing to work at the same company in the fall semester. If you’re currently living on campus, this means searching for an apartment. You’ll find rooms for rent near University of Alberta at 1TEN on Whyte. You’ll have a fully-furnished apartment located just 1 kilometre from campus in an area with many restaurants and stores. Contact us for a lease.