1337haxor

So I just got two job offers for my internship in September. Both of which are nice jobs I wouldn't mind doing since I would learn a lot from either one.

Job #1:
It is for a global technology consulting company. I will get a chance to work with a lot of cutting edge technologies setting up labs and helping out with any IT related things in either the networking, servers, or intrastructure departments. People there seem really nice and I had a great time interviewing with them. Atmosphere was great (they even had a conference room dedicated to Milton Waddams from Office Space). They told me that their main goal is to have me help out and to learn as much as possible.

40 miles away (about 1 hour drive) and I will have to pay tolls for the PA turnpike to get there (about $2/day at most). No free lunches so lunch will be out of my pocket.
Normal work hours from 7 to 4.
Pays $40/week more then Job #2
I'd be the only intern at that branch




Job #2:
#5 in the investment firm business. Will get to work with production servers after trading hours. No chance to work on any other fields. The job interview seemed alittle dry where they asked me questions about this and that. It seemed like a place where I did what was needed, but I could learn from it. They tried to influence my decision by inviting me to a social party with other interns they were looking to hire. Everyone I know or have talked to that works for this company loves it and tells me I should take the job.

5 miles away (15 minute drive) and there are no tolls. Free food all day so I can eat whenever.
Work hours are 1:30PM to 11:30PM.
Pays $40/week less then Job #1
They hire tons of interns, but most of then I'd probably wouldn't get along with (drunk womanizing frat boy types)




I would go with Job #2 due to distance and free food, but the hours are kinda keeping me from clicking the accept button. Doing the math, I'd be making less from Job #1 due to the extra things I have to pay for, but I'm trying not to use money as my main factor. Now with both jobs, there will be more then enough opportunities for overtime as well. Both places have a great atmosphere and very casual.

What do you guys think? I have til Monday to decide. If Job #1 was closer, I'd go with that one. And if Job #2 didn't have crazy hours, I'd go with that one. I also feel that I can learn more from Job #1, but I might learn as much from Job #2. Both companies are pretty give in their field and both are willing to hire me again for my next internship or even full time once I graduate.

What I'm going to do tomorrow morning is do a few dry runs to Job #1 to see what kind of times I'm looking at if I take different routes to the place. That way I know the optimum route there and back with or without traffic. Mapquest estimates 50 minutes, but I know there is construction on some of the roads.

-Robert

amonkie

Based on what you typed here, you seemed more positive and enthusiastic about Job #1. If the costs associated are acceptable, then go for it.

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maleficent

Having been a network admin at a investment banking house on Wall Street for a year or so, i can tell you it's no picnic... for every minute that a server goes down and is not accessible (and it happens a lot ) you have a little master of the universe hemorraghing cash... and stressing out on you...

Learning experience? Might be a little too fast paced to get the education you might hope to get... Most of our interns got abused... it was slave labor... we never sent 'em into the lions den, but they did all the dirty work...

I'd probably go with experience 1

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1337haxor

Thanks for the advice. I am really enthusiastic about Job #1, but I was not enthusiastic about the long commute that could easily double in bad winter weather.

I also found a resource that I forgot to use. It's a system my school has where previous interns can rate and comment about the their internship at a company/job. I was able to find the reviews of both Job #1 and #2. Here they are:

Job #1:

Job's best features:
Positive work environment, good workspace, laptop, free coffee, variety of work

Job's drawbacks:
Sometimes not enough work available to be done

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Job #2:

Job's best features:
Free catered breakfast and lunch! Decent fitness center on site. Experience of working for a large financial company.

Job's drawbacks:
No training whatsoever! Supervisor spends life in meetings and is constantly running around. Hardly ever see him. Work is very sporadic! May not have anything to do for weeks at a time! I have the feeling of being lost here... everything I accomplish here is not noticed. Some projects I worked on were thrown at me; I did not know where to start. Projects I was supposed to be the lead on, were completed behind my back by someone else. The major drawback of this position is NO GUIDANCE! Other co- ops here are constantly running around with tasks to be completed since they have direction... This position lacks that direction...

Additional job comments:
The perks of this company were great (food, gym, etc), but I had a very negative work experience here...

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It looks like from the negative review of Job #2 makes it a no brainer. The intern's comment about Job #1 was mentioned during my interview. They said that at times it might be slow and that I am more then welcome to mess around with unused lab equipement or to just watch what other people are doing and ask questions.
I'm the type that will find work if there isn't any so I think I can manage when there is nothing to do.

Looks like I'll be going with Job #1. I just hope I don't regret the commute.

Thanks,
Robert

Rodney

I agree with your decision. Internships are a valuable part of your education. If the commute is doable, it's best to go with the one will further your education the most. Sounds like Job 2's advantages are all perks, not anything fundamentally valuable.

Plus, the Job 1 interviewers were totally upfront with you about the job, as verified by your later research. Believe me, that's a good sign in an employer, even for an internship.

Sugar&Spice

Go with the one you think you will learn more at. The more you can write down on a future resume the better. I have almost completed my internship for the summer and at times it is hard to go because I do not get paid!

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Sage

Man, think of the commute as time to think in the car- I know I do! Get some books on tape, listen to some of your favorite CDs, just relax... my commute time is my *me* time!

Good luck on the job!

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Sweetpea

I commute 45 minutes one way to my work . . . NPR and cd's keep you company, so driving really isn't that big of a deal. The extra money from job one, coupled with the more pleasing work hours would make #1 my choice.

however, go with your gut feeling . . . whichever one you know will help you to be more successful, then that should be your choice, sounds like # 1 would be most suitable, esp. taking into account the other interns comments.

good luck and keep us updated on how you like it!!

Sweetpea

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maleficent

Excellent choice -- an internship should be about gaining some skills for your future and learning something... Sounds like you will be doing that.

While the perks of the financial house are there.. my personal opinion, having worked at them, they have to offer perks, as it's how they get talented people to stay... the abuse for money alone is not worth it.

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1337haxor

I just accepted Job #1. Now I don't have to stress or think about which one to pick :-) *big sigh of relief*

I can't wait to start this job. Even though I like school, it is starting to get to me a bit with the work. It will also be nice to have a positive income flow for a change.

Thanks everyone!

-Robert