I was wondering if RFD could give me some advice on a small dilemma I'm having over internship possibilities.
So I'm studying product design and currently interning at a large-ish kitchen appliance company in Montreal for the summer. I'm supposed to go back to school to finish my last year in September. However, I was offered a year-long internship by Blackberry for their design team in Toronto. Now, I know full well Blackberry isn't doing that well currently and to be honest, I wasn't really planning on working there after school but part of me thinks having a big name company on my resume (and working on some products which are well recognized) as well as whatever contacts I can make over there would benefit me in the long term. The main downside is that I'd have to push the completion of my degree a year back and I've already switched programs so my family is kind of pressuring me not to push back my graduation any further... For the record the internship is paid, but it's in Toronto so I'd have to relocate and pay rent for a year too. I've already completed the mandatory internship for my degree this summer but I figure maybe more experience can't be bad? Or do you think working for a company which isn't that successful might do nothing for me (or worse)?
Pros:
- chance to work on some recognized products and a big name company (which could improve my chances at other firms in the future)
- possibility of making contacts through BB to other companies/industries
- possibility of a [short term] job after studies (depending on their situation once I graduate)
- paid so I could save for next year's tuition or put it away to repay my student loans
Cons:
- pushing back studies a year
- doubt it's going to lead to a long-term job (since BB isn't doing that well in the consumer market these days)
- relocation costs
Do you guys think it's worth it? I have some time to decide but I'm not sure.
Thanks in advance :)
So I'm studying product design and currently interning at a large-ish kitchen appliance company in Montreal for the summer. I'm supposed to go back to school to finish my last year in September. However, I was offered a year-long internship by Blackberry for their design team in Toronto. Now, I know full well Blackberry isn't doing that well currently and to be honest, I wasn't really planning on working there after school but part of me thinks having a big name company on my resume (and working on some products which are well recognized) as well as whatever contacts I can make over there would benefit me in the long term. The main downside is that I'd have to push the completion of my degree a year back and I've already switched programs so my family is kind of pressuring me not to push back my graduation any further... For the record the internship is paid, but it's in Toronto so I'd have to relocate and pay rent for a year too. I've already completed the mandatory internship for my degree this summer but I figure maybe more experience can't be bad? Or do you think working for a company which isn't that successful might do nothing for me (or worse)?
Pros:
- chance to work on some recognized products and a big name company (which could improve my chances at other firms in the future)
- possibility of making contacts through BB to other companies/industries
- possibility of a [short term] job after studies (depending on their situation once I graduate)
- paid so I could save for next year's tuition or put it away to repay my student loans
Cons:
- pushing back studies a year
- doubt it's going to lead to a long-term job (since BB isn't doing that well in the consumer market these days)
- relocation costs
Do you guys think it's worth it? I have some time to decide but I'm not sure.
Thanks in advance :)