Internships, which are programs that offer hands-on experience to those seeking an introduction to a profession, give students a chance to build impressive resumes and college applications, according to Youth Programs Manager Amy Chan, who assigns students to internships in the leadership program Coro Exploring Leadership. The more high profile the internship position, such as work that involves lawyers and government offices, “the more impressive to an employer, because it’s a more selective process to be chosen for the position,” Chan said.
However, high-profile internships are not right for everyone. “You should pick internships that allow you to explore your ideal career path,” Chan explained. Internships can clear up uncertainties about a dream occupation by uncovering the pros and cons of a job.
     Ultimately, students should choose internships that they find exciting in order to have a full, rewarding experience. “You want to feel like you contributed substantially to an organization’s project,” Chan said, adding that the right internship will offer an interesting learning experience. “You should definitely choose the one that would allow you to develop your critical thinking skills and work with a diverse group of people.”
     While some internships provide stipends of anywhere from $200 to $3,000, others are unpaid, so if students truly need to earn money, jobs can be the better option.      
     Career Vocational Experience and Marketing teacher Norman Nager defined a job as a position that involves “a contract, where you do tasks and get paid for it.”  But it’s not just about the money. “Jobs have value because you take on challenging new things and you apply the skills you already have and gain new ones,” Nager said.
When it comes down to choosing a job or an internship, students should consider the kind of environment they are comfortable in. Internships typically provide a nurturing environment in which mentors or supervisors take interns under their wings and guide them through different aspects of their work. “A lot of learning happens from great on-the-job coaching and guidance,” Chan said. Internships are generally treated as learning experiences, whereas jobs involve taking on responsibilities.  
    Both internships and jobs offer exposure and access to people related to a desired profession. Students who take advantage of such connections can further their own careers by keeping in touch. New experiences also help students identify their interests and distinguish passions from whims.
 “Take the initiative to first find a job or internship and then continue to take the initiative to learn as much as you can,” Chan said. “Make the situation beneficial to you and your employer or it would be a waste of time for both.”