If your life has been anything like mine, then getting a job was one of the top priorities in high school and college. But, to be honest, landing a paid position that is flexible enough to work with your changing schedule and still allows time for everything else you have to do is pretty difficult. And, if you want to find something that aligns with your major it gets even harder.
I, like many other college students, ended up taking an internship position every summer since freshman year. And while internships definitely have their upsides (my bank account has never been happier), there are some surprising downsides to consider before signing a contract.
Let’s lay out the Pros and Cons of a summer internship, shall we?
The Pros
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You’re either getting paid or getting experience, or ideally both. Both are important, but one is definitely more fun. Whether you take the job to make some cash or just to boost your resume, the important part is that you are getting something out of it.
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You won’t be bored (or overwhelmed). The nice part about working the summers is that you have something to do most days of the week. You won’t be sitting around the house bored out of your mind, but unlike working during the semester, you won’t have to balance work and school either. Working over the summer gives you just enough to keep you occupied without stressing you out.
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It’s impressive. Taking the initiative to work for a known company (mom and pop shops rarely offer internships) shows that you have the drive to succeed and gives you something else to humble-brag about during that big-time interview.
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It’s a great way to sample jobs. Working a job for a few months is a great way for you to learn whether or not you like it. If you do, that’s great! You can look for positions in that field when you’re ready. If you hate it, that’s fine. It’ll be over in a few months and you never have to go back. Just remember to keep a positive attitude while you’re there.
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It’s an opportunity for you to make connections and build a portfolio. Co-workers and bosses are great people to network with. These are people working in a field that (hopefully) you’re trying to enter. Making close connections and keeping in touch can pay off long-term if they are willing to pass on news about open positions to you. Bonus: ask for people to write you recommendations or to be included in your reference lists. If nothing else, they can be your ticket to landing the job you really want.
The Cons
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You might miss out on some fun activities. While you’re at your desk working on a report, your friends might be at the beach and posting about it on social media. It’s hard not to feel left out, but in the end, it’s important to remember that you’re doing something worthwhile.
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Vacations can be hard. Depending on where you work, company policies, who your boss is, and how well you perform, taking paid vacations or even unpaid time off might be impossible. Being honest with yourself and your employer is the most important thing here. If you already know that you have a two-week vacation scheduled in the middle of the summer that you absolutely do not want to miss, let them know when you are interviewed. But, be prepared to take a pay cut if the time is unpaid.
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Little chance for growth. Interns rarely move from bottom-of-the-barrel to top-of-the-chain positions with only a summer’s work, so don’t be concerned if you’re not offered a full-time time position in August. Instead of focusing on whether or not you’ll be there for the long term, focus on being the best employee you can be and learning the most you can.