Every Share Helps!

Oftentimes we are left with making tough decisions between opportunities that come our way. Whether you are looking for a new experience during the summer between your college years, planning a gap year, or you just want to make a dramatic change in your life, you have many options to consider, such as AmeriCorps, taking language courses, independent travel, or whatever else.

Making the choice between accepting an internship offer and volunteering for an organization can be difficult, as both have many advantages and can typically be defined as service without remuneration. When talking about interning, I am generally referring to internship opportunities with NGOs and government agencies dedicated to service.

Consider the following when making your decision between interning and volunteering:

>>Ethical Service

Before accepting an offer—whether for an internship opportunity or for volunteer experience—be sure to do a great deal of research on the organization you wish to serve. Oftentimes, interns and volunteers find that the work their organization does is not on the same level as they previously thought and are disappointed with their experiences.

Also to consider: how the type of work you will be doing will influence the organization and its goals. As mundane as some interns’ tasks may be, you may also find them highly rewarding if you’re with an organization that you know has a positive impact in their field.

Whether serving as a volunteer or intern, you have the opportunity to work with an organization that makes great strides for humanity, so be sure to do your research and ask questions about how the work you will do serves the greater purpose.

>>Personal Satisfaction

While interning for an organization generally provides great support, you may not receive the same personal satisfaction as hands-on work you can encounter while volunteering. Having the opportunity to serve others in person, rather than indirectly through interning, is an experience that cannot be competed with.

If you are concerned with the level of personal satisfaction that you will receive from your experience, consider a volunteer opportunity over an internship—it will provide you with a greater sense of fulfillment. Internships typically imply grunt work with less hands-on experience with your target population, so if you’re looking at an organization that provides opportunities for both internships and volunteer experiences, consider carefully!

>>Length of Service

How much time do you have to commit to the opportunities given? A week? A month? A semester? A summer? A year? With most internship opportunities, you will generally have to agree to working for the organization for an extended period of time, whether it be three to four months or up to a year. Conversely, with volunteer opportunities, depending on the type of work you want to accomplish, you may have both long-term and short-term options.

>>Future Opportunities

Volunteering and interning both have the potential to provide great references for you in the future, whether they come in the form of letters of recommendation or simply demonstrating your personal initiative and moral fiber by the types of work you have done.

If you are looking for a résumé booster, especially if you are interested in working for a particular organization in the future, an internship may be right for you. However, if you are unsure of your future plans and want an experience regardless of if it will make you look good, and definitely make you feel good, a volunteer experience may be right for you.

Good luck on making your decision! And if you have time, try both! 

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