<p>I was planning on a summer community service abroad, but my sister says it's better to do an internship just because you can have more work experience under your belt.</p>
<p>so if i could choose between an internship @ IBM (first year undergrad) and community service in Brazil, which would you choose?</p>
<p>I'm sorry if this sounds like a "bad" question... I just don't know if community service is as important in the job market as it was for college admissions...</p>
<p>Well it depends on what you want to use it for. </p>
<p>If you want something that will look better for an MBA, then I would go with the community service because the internship isn't "real work experience". If you want something that will help get a job with a particular industry, then go with an internship in that industry...</p>
<p>Hope that helps.....</p>
<p>You're only a first year.</p>
<p>Go out and have fun. Choose the activity that you want to do. Both of them sound great and you can't go wrong with either one.</p>
<p>how did you get an internship at ibm when your a first year?? im actually looking for an internship after my first year too...could you help me out ??? i looked at most requirements for internships and good companies require to be at least a sophmore or junior...yeah and im majoring in computer scienceee could you help me out on where to look or contact?</p>
<p>Community service is not an important part of the general job market, although I'm sure there are some places that would value it. I'm assuming that you want to get an MBA after graduation or you wouldn't have posted on this forum. </p>
<p>If you want to get an MBA or have decided on a career in business, then your sister is correct. A summer internship at IBM would be good. However, after reading your post, it sounds to me like you really want the community service. If that is the case, go for it. You still have time to decide what you want to do after graduation. A half-hearted attitude during a summer internship will not be an advantage to you or to IBM. </p>
<p>If and when you do an internship, in addition to getting experience and the long-term possibility of a job offer, you will also find people willing to mentor you and recommend you to friends for jobs within the company or outside. You will find that an important part of a career is based on who you know and who will support you. An astute internee will start building this network.</p>