Is It Worth Taking a Break to Do an Internship?

Many students consider taking a break from their studies to work on internships. Some embrace the idea, while others might wonder if it's worth losing precious study time to gain practical experience.

Valuable Experiences and Career Clarity

My personal experience aligns with the view that taking a break to intern can be very beneficial. While I still managed to attend school during my non-summer part-time internships, several friends took a semester off to do full-time internships in different cities. These experiences helped them refine their career goals and enhance their appreciation for higher education.

For instance, one friend interned with Amazon for a semester and simultaneously completed three online Stanford courses. Upon returning to school, she felt more productive and motivated. This suggests that interning can complement academic studies, offering a dual-learning approach that integrates practical and theoretical knowledge.

Versatility and Self-Improvement

I decided to take a gap year to intern at a small startup company. I balanced my internship responsibilities with part-time work and various personal projects such as volunteering at a history museum. These activities allowed me to pursue my passions and save money for future travels. Although unplanned at first, taking a gap year has turned out to be a positive decision for me.

The benefits of a gap year include:

Valuable Experience: Gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting can provide insights that academic learning may not cover. Purpose Clarity: Working outside the traditional academic world can help individuals better understand their career preferences. Productivity: Some students feel more motivated and productive after gaining real-world experience, which can lead to better academic performance when they return to school.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are significant, there are also challenges to consider:

Doubt and Self-Doubt: Some students may experience self-doubt or fear that they are making the wrong decision by stepping outside the traditional academic path. Inclusivity and Belonging: Not everyone immediately understands the value of a gap year, which can make one feel isolated or out of the loop. Delayed Graduation: Taking a break can delay graduation, which may impact overall progress.

It is crucial to have a clear plan and goals in mind before taking a gap year. For me, the goal was to gain a clearer understanding of who I am and what I want to do in my career. By setting these objectives, I felt more motivated and prepared to make the most of this unique opportunity.

Conclusion: Worth the Effort?

It is indeed worth taking a break to do an internship if it aligns with your career goals and enhances your overall development. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure that you have a solid plan in place. Embrace the break, learn, grow, and return to your studies more prepared and passionate than ever before.