Projects vs. internships — which are better?

Understanding tech projects

Definition and types of tech projects

1. Personal projects: Undertaken independently, personal projects showcase individual creativity, self-drive, and problem-solving skills.
2. Open-source contributions: Collaborating on open-source projects not only adds value to the community but also demonstrates teamwork and adaptability.
3. Collaborative projects: Working with peers on a project provides a taste of professional collaboration and collective achievement.

Advantages of working on tech projects

1. Autonomy and creativity: Personal projects empower individuals to explore their ideas freely, fostering creativity and innovation.
2. Building a portfolio: Projects serve as tangible evidence of skills and achievements, strengthening one's professional portfolio.
3. Skill development and specialization: Through projects, individuals can focus on specific technologies or domains, honing their expertise.

Whether it's developing a mobile app, diving into AI for the first time, or creating a website about your hobby, the choices are boundless. Completing a personal project is a concrete demonstration of your skills and resilience. Also, if you ever mess up, no problem! Nobody is monitoring you and the overarching purpose of pursuing projects is to try, iterate, learn, and repeat.

Understanding internships

Types of tech internships

1. Corporate internships: Offered by established companies, corporate internships provide exposure to large-scale projects and corporate culture.
2. Startup internships: In a startup environment, interns often wear multiple hats, gaining a diverse range of experiences and responsibilities.
3. Research internships: Ideal for those inclined towards academia, research internships focus on innovation and problem-solving.

Benefits of tech internships

1. Networking opportunities: Internships provide a platform to connect with industry professionals, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.
2. Real-world application of skills: Interns get to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
3. Exposure to professional work environment: Internships expose individuals to the dynamics of a professional workplace, enhancing adaptability and soft skills.

Working on actual projects in a professional setting provides invaluable experience. Collaborating with seasoned professionals, navigating office dynamics, and having model references from mentors – internships provides unmatched immersion. Also, they boost chances for possible job offers upon completion or graduation. Not to mention you could also get paid for your efforts!

Factors to consider

Personal goals and aspirations

Understanding personal goals is crucial in making the right choice between projects and internships. Reflect on where you see yourself in the tech industry: a beginner, someone with an extensive project portfolio, or someone in between. Consider your long-term career goals and how each option aligns with your aspirations.

Projects often require self-guided learning. This independence may initially pose challenges like ideation and knowing your next steps, but it's precisely these challenges that mold your skills and cultivate resilience. Internships are more structured, but have expert support. 

Skill level and expertise

Consider your current skill set and expertise – projects may help build foundational skills, while internships offer a chance to apply, showcase, and refine existing ones. 

Although internships offer a more structured learning environment with senior guidance readily available, it’s challenging to be a part of one. Oftentimes, the applicant pool for these opportunities is highly competitive and you need to already have a star resume to have a chance of being accepted.

Time commitment

There’s a clear difference in this between the two methods. Evaluate the time you can commit to either option and choose accordingly, keeping in mind your desired outcomes. 

Personal projects offer flexibility; you decide when and how much time to invest. Despite the varying timelines for personal projects, it's realistic to achieve a functional model within a month. Internships, with their set schedules, hold you to a high standard with due dates. You can expect the average tech internship to be about two to six months long.

In the end, just remember to strike a balance between your personal life and your tech endeavors. 

Conclusion

When it comes to resume building, both projects and internships enhance your profile. The former highlights your initiative, while the latter vouches for your ability to thrive in a professional setting. It’s always recommended that you do both, but pursue them as your situation allows.

If you’re not already a technical wizard, projects are likely the better option. They are applicable to almost anything like honing your skills, mastering a new framework, or casually doing everyday coding. Although internships are undoubtedly great experiences, it’s next to impossible to land them without a solid base of projects. Think of them as the building blocks for your future endeavors.

Luckily for you, Codin can maximize your project building experience. With a growing community of developers, recruiters, and hobbyists, it’s the all-in-one platform for creating, sharing, and getting inspired for your tech adventures. Learn more about Codin here!