Which looks better for graduate school: industry internship or private research?

<p>Biotechnology/Physics major, looking to get into bioengineering graduate school (school doesn't offer bioengineering, but am solid in physics/biology, even taking 12 hours of general engineering)..</p>

<p>I've done some reus over the summer, and have research at my institution. I got an offer as an intern from a biotech company (they want me to code and do work in the lab with other R&D microbiologists), but I also have the ability to privately research with a faculty member. </p>

<p>Which looks better for graduate school? Should I just maximize and do 100% research, or should I dibble dabble in private industry.</p>

<p>In most cases, I think working in a university setting would provide you with a more grad school-oriented experience. After all, working with a professor in this type of setting is what you will be doing in graduate school. What’s most important, though, is what you get a chance to do and contribute in the research. I feel like in most cases the university lab is to give more of a learning-based experience and more of a chance to be involved in the process of the science.</p>

<p>However, it does sound like this is a good research opportunity on the industrial side. The main advantage to taking the industry option, I think, would be you getting a chance to see research outside academia and get a perspective on what else is out there. I don’t think I would go exclusively for industry experience, but if you have plenty of academic research experience as well, I don’t think it would hurt you to take the industry position if you want to do it.</p>