Internship After Working Full-Time?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I just received my MS from UC Berkeley in Structural Engineering, and I am facing an interesting dilemma. After getting my BS in Civil from a large state school on the east coast, I worked for a whole year as a structural engineer for a very large infrastructure design firm (practically an office in everyones backyard). I had a bunch of offers coming out of undergrad...as opposed to today where just getting an interview is insanely more difficult. </p>

<p>Just yesterday, I received a 3-month internship offer from a very respected structural engineering firm, after months of looking (for full-time). They specialize in buildings, which is something that I want to eventually work in, as opposed to bridges/infrastructure. </p>

<p>The way I see it, the opportunity is good. This will allow me to continue looking for that elusive full-time position while I gain valuable experience and stay in the Bay Area, which I enjoy very much. And of course to continue to make some money, enough to live within my means, even though it is less than what I was getting very used to making before I went to Berkeley (this would just be temporary anyway). Benefits aren't an issue, since I'm covered under my parents if I need to be.</p>

<p>However, I have been told by some (not all who I have talked to) that accepting an internship after working full-time and getting my MS may tarnish my appearance in the profession and my resume, which to date I am very confident with.</p>

<p>Any advice? Should I continue to wait for the first full-time offer? Or be flexible with the current state of the economy and industry? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>If you need to sell it to somebody down the line you can just say you wanted to move from infrastructure to buildings and felt an internship was the best option. I mean, I can’t imagine having an internship looking worse than not working for three months.</p>

3

<p>Sanzen, I’ve got an MS in structures. I see nothing to lose by taking the internship. The chance to work at a respected firm is great! The fact that they made you the offer is a compliment. You’ll learn a lot by working with experienced engineers. Go for it!</p>