Andrea
Does it look better to do an internship or to get a job on a resume?
I'm currently a senior in high school and will be attending college in the fall. I hope to become a doctor, and thus must be thinking ahead to medical school. I'm debating between getting a job and getting an internship this summer (and was also thinking about my time throughout college). I was wondering if it looks better on a resume to get a job, as this shows responsibility and will help me earn money to pay my tuition, or to get an internship, as this helps me gain experience and work with professionals. #college #doctor #jobs #internships #resume #medical-school #undergraduate #college-jobs
4 answers
Ryan Bonaparte
Ryan’s Answer
Strictly speaking, it doesn't matter if you choose a job or an (unpaid) internship. What does matter is that you choose to spend your summers and free time gaining knowledge, building relationships, and demonstrating an interest in the medical field. If you can find a job or paid internship that does this, then that's an ideal scenario. If not, then an unpaid internship would probably be the way to go.
When looking at a resume, admissions officers and future employers are not going to be looking at whether or not you made money during this activity. Instead, they'll be looking to see whether or not it was relevant, or if it isn't directly applicable, why it's still valuable.
If finances are tight and you need to work in order to pay your way through college, then by all means work whatever job will give you the ability to do that. Plenty of people are able to show how jobs taught them skills that they then could leverage for medical school, even if that's time management.
One last thought: as you enter into your college career, there will be hundreds of activities that you could participate in, but only enough time to do a few. Don't overstretch yourself, but do try out things that may not be directly related to medicine. You may find that those activities broaden your horizons and give you a chance to work your brain in other ways. And always make sure that your core classes are the most important part of what you're focusing on. Very few if any internships, jobs, or extracurriculars will make up for poor grades.
Best of luck and congratulations on heading to college.
Gina Cabrera
Gina’s Answer
I hope you are doing great. Both internships and jobs can be valuable experiences and can enhance your resume in different ways. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between an internship and a job:
Internship:
1. Relevant experience: Internships often provide opportunities to gain industry-specific experience and work directly with professionals in your field of interest. This can be particularly beneficial if you're aiming for a career in medicine, as it can provide exposure to healthcare settings and allow you to observe and learn from professionals in the field.
2. Skill development: Internships can help you develop specific skills and knowledge relevant to your desired career path. You may have the chance to work on projects, conduct research, or assist with patient care, depending on the nature of the internship. These experiences can provide valuable insights and enhance your understanding of the medical field.
3. Networking: Internships can provide opportunities to network with professionals, mentors, and peers in the industry. Building connections during your internship can lead to future recommendations, mentorship, and potential job opportunities down the line.
Job:
1. Responsibility and work ethic: Holding a job demonstrates responsibility, time management skills, and a strong work ethic. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated the ability to balance work and other commitments, as it shows dedication and reliability.
2. Transferable skills: Jobs can help you develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service. These skills are valuable in any career and can be highlighted on your resume to showcase your versatility and adaptability.
3. Financial stability: Jobs can provide financial stability and help you earn money to support your education and other expenses. This can be particularly important if you need to cover tuition costs or other financial obligations.
Ultimately, the decision between an internship and a job depends on your specific goals, interests, and circumstances. Consider what is most important to you at this stage of your academic and career journey. If possible, you may also explore opportunities to gain both internship and job experiences throughout your college years to gain a well-rounded resume.
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Andrea!
Your concern should not be what will appear the best on a resume, but you should be concerned about what will give you the best opportunity to see the inside of a career area to help you to determine fit and comfort level.
It would be good if you could get a job in a related career area during the summer, but if you do not need the money, a coop, internship, volunteer, or shadowing opportunity would certainly work well.
Best of luck!
Rahul amarnath
Rahul’s Answer
internship is better before getting to new role