Dilemma: Research or Internship in summer

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am right now doing research at my school on making solar cell with coated nanocrystals. I really enjoy doing it and think it is really fun. The research is continuing during summer so I can just work there no problem. </p>

<p>There is also career fair going on at my school with companies offering internships. However, as an EE major, I have NO interest in IC design, computer or signal processing, but I like material side of EE (Solid State). But I think that most companies offer EE internships that have to do with IC, Computer or SP which I can’t imagine myself doing. </p>

<p>Moreover this coming summer will be my last chance to do internship before I graduate.
Is having “internship” on the resume better than “research experience?” Btw, I have never had an internship before. So should I have at least one on my resume just for the sake of it?</p>

2

<p>It looks like you will be taking a job after graduation. I would highly recommend an internship. Your research experience could lead to an internship doing similar stuff, why not try to pursue something in that area?</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the input! However, I am pretty sure that I will go to grad school right after my graduation.</p>

4

<p>I think research is better if you plan on grad school, while an internship is better if you plan on working right away. Get your hands dirty in the lab and indirectly work on that recommendation from your research prof.</p>

5

<p>Ideally, you want one of each (or more) for grad school or work. Since you want to go to grad school, I say stick with the research and then try to pick up an internship during grad school.</p>

6

<p>Go for research - but check out employers for possibilities during grad school
You might even find some internship that changes your mind</p>

7

<p>For graduate school preparation, go for the research.</p>

<p>Be wary though, not all EE jobs entail IC or programming.</p>

8

<p>If you already doing a lot for the research during the fall/spring semesters, maybe you can take a break from it. I'm sure the professor will let you come back after the summer (if he's still working on that project). You have probably already developed a good relationship with him/her.</p>

<p>However, if you think you can do a lot more in research during the summer, then go for the research.</p>

<p>Do you plan on doing masters or ph.d?</p>

9

<p>However I just start the research thing in the beginning of this month. But yes I am pretty sure that the professor will let me come back if I don't do it during summer. </p>

<p>I plan to get a master.</p>