best time to do internship

[amg1322]

so I have about 3 semesters left, but I am not sure when the best time to do an internship is. Should I wait until right at the end? Or should I try to do one over the summer now? I have a flexible schedule either way I am just not sure what looks best or when the right time is. Since grad apps have to be out between Oct-Jan would it be better to do it before then? Any advice would be great, thanks everyone

[as4300]

so I have about 3 semesters left, but I am not sure when the best time to do an internship is. Should I wait until right at the end? Or should I try to do one over the summer now? I have a flexible schedule either way I am just not sure what looks best or when the right time is. Since grad apps have to be out between Oct-Jan would it be better to do it before then? Any advice would be great, thanks everyone

 

I took an internship over a summer break. It's a free time, so I was not worry about work and school assignments at the same time. I am not sure about your plan, but I prefer to use my last semester for re-applying/searching/preparation or maybe take another project to work on.   

Edited April 16, 2015 by as4300

[amg1322]

I took an internship over a summer break. It's a free time, so I was not worry about work and school assignments at the same time. I am not sure about your plan, but I prefer to use my last semester for re-applying/searching/preparation or maybe take another project to work on.   

 I'm actually take a full load of classes all summer but am not working so I thought maybe I could try to take advantage over the summer. I also thought maybe since I can add that to my applications it might make me look like a bit of a better prospect? I'm very to new to all of this. I agree about having the last semester to prepare for new things or moving or reapplying

[as4300]

 I'm actually take a full load of classes all summer but am not working so I thought maybe I could try to take advantage over the summer. I also thought maybe since I can add that to my applications it might make me look like a bit of a better prospect? I'm very to new to all of this. I agree about having the last semester to prepare for new things or moving or reapplying

Sorry for the misread. Yeah, I think having an internship as your portfolio could be a plus point for your grad application, esp. if your intern job align with your major. Come what may, related or unrelated, an internship experience never hurts. Good luck!

[madbiochemist]

Only take an internship that would be relevant to your program! Otherwise, you'll just be taking away from your full load of classes. The summer would be a good time for the internship, because applying to graduate schools is like taking on another class (if you've already mostly narrowed down what you want to to and where you want to apply) or a full time job (if you're further behind). 

[amg1322]

Only take an internship that would be relevant to your program! Otherwise, you'll just be taking away from your full load of classes. The summer would be a good time for the internship, because applying to graduate schools is like taking on another class (if you've already mostly narrowed down what you want to to and where you want to apply) or a full time job (if you're further behind). 

 

I have narrowed down my list of potential programs and made a chart of requirements and application necessities for each program. I am in the process of beginning to gather all of the necessary supplements for these applications. Thank you for the advice, I am definitely beginning to feel the pressure and stress of getting these applications ready. Hopefully I can put together a good enough resume to get noticed and be able to find a summer internship for myself. I'm just worried that I don't have enough knowledge in my field yet to keep up.