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Are high school internships worth doing the summer before college? People are pretty evenly divided on this question. Some argue there are other things the soon-to-be-freshman should be focusing on, others say it’ll be a great experience before the busyness of college. Internships aren’t just for college students. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pro: All Experience is Good Experience
Not only will high school internships look fantastic on a resume (especially so early), but the experience you get can help you develop career-relevant skills or even influence what you want to study or pursue as a full-time job after graduation. Not to mention if you get an internship related to your major, you can establish industry contacts.
Con: Time Commitment
As with any job, an internship will suck up a lot of your summer time. This could mean hanging out less with your friends, having less time to pack and prepare for freshman year, or losing out on summer clubs and activities.
Pro: A Leg Up
Most students take internships the summers between their college years, not before. This “bonus” internship can give you a leg up on future opportunities. It’s like a gold star on your resume, and it will definitely catch the eye of future employers or student org panels.
Con: It May Be Unpaid
Experience is great, but paid experience is better. If you’re looking to earn some extra cash before college, a part-time or seasonal job may be a better option. Unpaid internships are pretty common, so you’ll have to decide what’s more important to you—a paycheck or your resume.
So should you do an internship the summer before the freshman year of college? Only you can decide whether or not this is the right choice for you. Explore your options and understand the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
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