Research internship versus work experience?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I recently was accepted into a research program at a local university. I'm really excited about it, because I ultimately want to go into research and academia.</p>

<p>However, I've got another option open. I could also intern at NASA Ames under a professor working in quantum computing. A bunch of people have told me that NASA is more prestigious, but that I'd also have a better experience there. </p>

<p>Any advice on this decision? So far, pros for the research program are</p>

<p>1) It's more aligned to my interests
2) I feel like I'd be contributing more, because the other one just feels like tapping code without doing anything.</p>

<p>The major downside is the cost. At NASA, I'd probably get some experience, but I'm concerned I'd just be tapping code without getting much done. On the other hand, a few people have told me that I'd be better off in the long run going with NASA Ames because of the brand name. Any advice?</p>

2

<p>bump 10char</p>

3

<p>Do what you want to do, not what people say sounds good or what you think will look good on your application. Working at your local university, getting a lot of work done and publishing a paper for example looks much better than leeching off of the brand name of NASA without getting anything done. If you think you will contribute more at your university and you feel better about that choice, go for it and don’t let someone else dissuade you.</p>