Engineering-Internships or Research?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

Hello all,

I’m at Clarkson University for Civil Engineering. I’d like to go into industry after my degree, though I’m not quite sure where yet.

I was accepted to the Honors Program as a rising sophomore, and am now wondering-what’s the best option to get into industry? Companies I’ve spoken to have said experience is key, and it looks like I will be able to line up an internship during the semester(continuing from this summer) with Clarkson’s Facilities and Services Engineering Department.

However, as an Honors student, I would have to participate in research. Not a bad thing; I’ve found a project I’d like to participate in and should be able to get into it. But here’s my question: Should I do research/honors, or use the time I would be spending on that on things such as clubs(ASCE, AGC, Steel Bridge, etc) and self-teaching? Which would be more helpful for a long-term career in industry? Or should I do both the internship and research? Or, abandon the internship and do research?

Thanks!

2

If you’re required to do research for your honors program, you might have to do both. Definitely try to fit in an internship though.

3

Well, I’m deciding whether to accept admission to the Honors Program. Would companies like to see research? Or are internships/extracurriculars better? I want to know primarily what’s the best use of my time.