Internship?

[mechengr2000]

I just finished my undergrad and moved to grad school one month ago.

I love it here. I really got lucky with this school. It is really a perfect fit for me. It is also the best school for my research field.

I had applied to jobs a few months ago as a back-up in case I did not get into any grad schools I liked. I am now being contacted somewhat aggressively for interview by a company I would like to work for as part of an internship. I previously gave an "informal interview" at a table at a research conference where a recruiter spoke to me, took notes about me, and told me they were interested. This was back in November 2010.

Is it too early to go on internship? What do you think? I know my advisor likes his students to keep their summers free for doing research, so this might strain my relationship with him.

Also, I was recently awarded NDSEG. I know if i take time off for an internship, NDSEG will cut funding during that time, and not give it back to me at a later date. They will, however, resume funding once I return from the internship.

Edited July 14, 2011 by mechengr2000

[ktel]

What field? Not that will make a huge difference, but it could. It also depends on what your goals are.

I am doing an M.A.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering and am not sure whether I would like to work after, go directly into a PhD, or work then do a PhD. Based on my goals, I would jump at the opportunity to do an internship and gain some valuable experience in my field. Now if your goals are different, for example if you want to become a professor only, then this internship might not be such a high priority to you.

I would also speak with your advisor to get his thoughts on this, as like you said, you wouldn't want to strain your relationship with him, especially so early.

That sounds typical for most funding packages, they pause your funding during internships, but as long as it will resume when you return, then it shouldn't be an issue.

[mechengr2000]

What field? Not that will make a huge difference, but it could. It also depends on what your goals are.

I am doing an M.A.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering and am not sure whether I would like to work after, go directly into a PhD, or work then do a PhD. Based on my goals, I would jump at the opportunity to do an internship and gain some valuable experience in my field. Now if your goals are different, for example if you want to become a professor only, then this internship might not be such a high priority to you.

I would also speak with your advisor to get his thoughts on this, as like you said, you wouldn't want to strain your relationship with him, especially so early.

That sounds typical for most funding packages, they pause your funding during internships, but as long as it will resume when you return, then it shouldn't be an issue.

Field:

Mechanical Engineering

I already have an MS , by the way