I’ve been stuck between two options and I want a second opinion. I could either do full-time paid work or full-time volunteer work. The volunteer work would likely look better on college apps (as the jobs I’d have lined for this summer would not be significant internships), but the jobs would bring in some money. I feel as if my potential to enjoy both is about equal, but I don’t know if I would benefit more from one or the other. Thanks in advance!
I actually don’t think there’d be too much of a difference? Colleges are looking for initiative and you could gain some valuable skills with summer jobs. Would the volunteering be anything you’ve done in the past, or related to some interest? If it’s an extension of something you’ve done in the past, it’d show consistency. Also, would the money from the job be desperately needed, pocket change, or somewhere in between?
Colleges want to see you that you have done something productive for your summer. I would suggest working…it is good to learn how to work in a working environment while the stakes are low. Plus you earn money!
@lensonoda Volunteer work would be at the same place I volunteered going into Freshman Year and between Freshman-Sophomore year. I did have a significant internship between Sophomore Year and Junior Year that was separate from that, though. The money from the job would more than likely service me as pocket change. Maybe a project on the car here, a night at the movies there, definitely nothing I need. I also have about 1/2-ish of the money I made working last summer at my disposal.
@bopper Working does sound like a good idea, I think it may be what I ultimately do. I just thought that maybe the volunteer work might win some points under “community involvement” parts of an application.
@PFAnimals I think both would be good, but is there any way you can do half a day of each? Or continue the volunteer work in some way, whether during summer or when you get back to school? I feel like it would be a shame to drop that commitment entirely, especially if you’ve already been doing it for so long / ithe cause is important to you / it’s related to your academic interests.
By working do you mean like working as cashier or something? If so, go for the internship, otherwise, if there’s chance the company will hire you later for higher position, do work.