Are You Ready for an Internship or a Full-Time Job

Are You Ready for an Internship or a Full-Time JobAre You Ready for an Internship or a Full-Time JobEarly in your career is a great time to take risks and learn. Its expected that you ask questions because interns are encouraged to explore their interests tosupplement classroom knowledge. It is an opportunity not just for career development, but also for personal development. You can cultivate skills necessary in many roles and understand what your passions are.But how do you know when enough is enough? How do you know when youve maximized the benefits from internships and are prepared for a full-time sttte? As a recent graduate, my personal experience transitioning from internships to a full-time position helped shape my thoughts onwhen a recent graduate is ready for his or herbei first full-time role. Here are five factors to consider when deciding whether you should pursue another internship or a full-time role.1. You Know Exactly What You Want to DoChoose the internshipIf the que stions, what occupation are you interested in pursuing or what is your idea role, strike fear in the pit of your stomach, consider exploring internship opportunities. Most college students just spent four years taking classes supposedly related to the career they hope to pursue. But, lets be honest, maybe you dont really know what you want to do. Choosing to accept an internship after college provides the perfect time to explore and try out new skills and projects. If you relish the opportunity to work on projects not directly related to your role or to converse with people in other departments to see what piques your interest, internships are a great opportunity. Choose the full-time position If you have exhausted your desire to jump from small project to small project and had previous intern experience during your summer years of college to find your passion, you may be beyond your intern days and prepared to devote yourself to your niche. If youve already tried out different role s in your chosen field and have a well-defined sense of your likes and dislikes, youre ready to commit to a role designed to allow you to specialize and experience a greater depth in your projects.2. Youre Ready to Put Down RootsChoose the internshipWith an internship offer in another city, you can use the opportunity as a trial run to experience life in a new location youd like to explore. My internship in Seattle provided not only a trial run with my chosen career path, but also allowed me the ability to explore the surrounding area and see if I could picture myself there long-term. You may work forty hours a week, but youll also want to immerse yourself in a surrounding that is interesting. Choose the full-time positionIf you know the state or city where you would like to live and are ready to put down some roots, this is one sign that youre beyond the days of short-term planning and prepared to accept a full-time offer.3. You Found The Perfect CompanyChoose the internshipDo you enjoy working in smaller companies or larger companies? What is it you liked working at a smaller company as opposed to one that is larger? What about working at the company made you the happiest? If you cant answer these questions, an internship is a chance to try out a company and experience different company cultures. (And if you are in the generous San Francisco Bay Area, a chance to sample different snacks)Choose the full-time positionIf youve been able to experience various companies and youve found the perfect match, then it is time to settle down with a full-time offer. Wherever you choose to work, ensure that you can envision yourself as a part of that team and are surrounded by people you would want to work with. In order for choosing the full-time position to be the best option, you should be confident in understanding what it is about this company that best meets your needs and leads to a fit. 4. Youre Ready for ResponsibilityChoose the internshipMany internships do not give you the responsibility or the sense of belonging associated with a full-time position. If you still feel in the stage of in-between, not yet ready to relinquish college and accept the responsibility associated with adulthood, an internship is a chance for you to have more supervision and receive more frequent feedback during each stage of your work. Choose the full-time positionThose prepared for the responsibility that is associated uniquely with a full-time position, deciding on benefits, and establishing a sense of belonging, should look for full-time positions. If you are prepared to accept the consequences and take ownership of both your triumphs and your mistakes, without such a close supervisory relationship, your next step is the full-time role. If you relish the thought of staying the course to revise and follow-up on the results of your project, as opposed to an internship where you may end before the long-term results and benefits of the project are visible, a full-t ime role is the right fit. 5. You Hate UncertaintyChoose the internshipIf the idea of continuously meeting new people and changing situations excite you, and you havent yet resolved the factors mentioned above, another internship might be the right next step. Choose the full-time positionIf the possibility of searching for another internship every couple of months keeps you awake at night, your goal should probably be to secure full-time employment. Uncertainty is daunting. While a full-time position can provide more security, an internship has a definite end point, which means you will re-enter the job search. Even if youve enjoyed the change, new projects, new people, and excitement of your past internships, dont worry. Youll still have the opportunity to continue to learn, grow, and meet new people in your full-time job.Once youve established your passions, what makes you happy and your goals, your first full-time position creates a foundation on which to build your future. If th ese indicators are present, its time for life after internships now to conquer the world