Should I do an internship in a company or a research internship?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alistarco
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Internship Physics
AI Thread Summary
A physics student in Colombia is contemplating whether to pursue an internship in data analytics or a research internship before graduation. The discussion highlights the importance of considering academic performance and future goals, such as the desire for graduate school versus entering the job market. One viewpoint suggests that research internships can provide valuable experience for those aiming for advanced studies, while data analytics internships may help build skills and networks for immediate employment. Another perspective recommends applying to all available options and deciding based on the offers received. Personal experiences shared emphasize the value of diverse experiences in professional development, suggesting that a well-rounded background can enhance future opportunities. Overall, the conversation underscores the significance of aligning internship choices with long-term career aspirations.
Alistarco
Messages
10
Reaction score
2
Hi, i'm a physics student in Colombia, and i will graduate the next year, ive been wandering if i should do an internship in a company with something related to data analytics or a research internship. The first option could help me get into the labor market, since is very hard to get an entry job in the field. For the second option i have two possible internships that i could work on. Im not sure what to do and i would like to get some advice.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think there's a perfect answer to this.
You might consider how well you're currently doing in your physics classes. Are you seriously considering graduate school? Are your marks high enough that you'll likely be competitive for some great schools? If that's the case you might want to lean toward research positions to gain that experience and really learn what doing research is all about. On the other hand, if you're just aiming to finish the degree and start working, then it might be a better idea to build up your commercial sector skill set and network.
There's another school of thought on this too. It would suggest that you apply to all options and then make a decision once you have offers in hand. Sometimes these decisions can be made for you.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes gmax137 and Alistarco
Ok, thanks a lot for your advice, i will take it into account
 
Somewhat different path than yours, but this is what I found valuable.

My main field was/is Electronics and I spent 'spare' time repairing radios and TVs (and an occassional assist in automobile repair) for friends and neighbors, and installing two-way radio systems. Next was a job in a radio/TV repair shop. Then to a job in the Engineering Development Lab of a major defense supplier.

That Lab job was right up my alley for the developement stuff. It was also a very valuable learning experience about the processes, procedures and documentation needed in a large succsssful operation out in the 'Real World.'

In general, I feel that a bit of diversity around your present central path is often well worth it to becoming a well-rounded professional. (It also gives you wider options later in life.)

Anyhow, that's my two-cents worth of suggestions.

As my Mama used to say, "Get all the advice you can. Then do as you d*mn please."

Have Fun!
Tom
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Care
Likes Alistarco, symbolipoint and WWGD
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
Back
Top