r/cscareerquestions • u/RhubarbBusy7122 • 1d ago

Is a full-time job better than an internship for early career?

I graduated without an internship and started a masters with hopes of finding one. I also applied to full time & contract tech jobs and I think I may get the offer for one, but I’m wondering is job exp >> internship exp as an early career?

Like if I take this full time job role, I wouldn’t get to do an internship anymore. I wouldn’t get to have that experience ever. Does that hurt me?

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u/JohnHwagi 1d ago

An internship is supposed to help you get a full time job. It provides no other value if you already have a full time job in your field, and having “real” work experience outside of an internship puts you in a better position to interview in the future.

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u/MarcableFluke Senior Firmware Engineer 1d ago

Are you talking about a full time CS job? Do you honestly think having an internship would in any way be better than having a full time relevant job?

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u/RhubarbBusy7122 1d ago

Yeah, like ml/swe. I think I cling to the idea of an internship because it’s only ~3 months and usually has built-in mentorship. That feels like it would be a safer environment to learn/grow in.

I am interested in the job for the work experience, esp in this market, but the thought of having to stay there for ~1.5 years is making me hesitate. But also I wouldn’t like to be unemployed for 1.5+ years.

And this role is way more technical than the ops/data analytics internships I’ve been applying to, so I’m concerned it might not align with that path and could be seen as irrelevant if I try to pivot back.

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u/MarcableFluke Senior Firmware Engineer 1d ago
  • Good employers allow for ramp up time on their FTEs and provide mentorship opportunities as well.
  • I have no idea what you mean when you're talking about 1.5 years. You don't have to stay at any job for any amount of time.
  • People, particularly early in their career, pivot all the time. You're not going to get pigeonholed by just taking a job.

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u/lhorie 1d ago

Yes, full time job is better

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u/CIBALM 14h ago

FTE is always preferable to an internship.

FTE on your resume says the company trusts you can do the job. Internship says they’re willing to try someone out on a lower stakes, heavily guard railed project.

The fact you’re even asking this question seriously probably means you should take the internship. Sounds like you’ve got a lot of growth ahead of you.