“Interns are hired to fetch coffee.” We have the media to blame for this stereotype about interns. Interns may not carry the biggest responsibilities, but companies have started to integrate internship programs into their core business plans. This has led to tremendous demand and competition for interns, especially summer internship programmes in the past few years.
A summer internship is a valuable opportunity for students and young professionals to take their first steps towards building their careers. Most colleges and universities these days include summer internships as part of their curriculum to allow students to get a taste of professional life well before they graduate.
However, there are some potential downsides to consider before deciding how to go about applying for these opportunities and which programs to apply to.
By weighing these pros and cons, individuals can make informed decisions about pursuing a summer internship and make the most of the opportunities it presents. So, to help you understand better, let’s explore some important pros and cons of summer internships.
Benefits of a Summer Internship
Concentrated Learning
Summer internships often provide a concentrated period of learning and skill development. With fewer distractions compared to the regular academic year, you can fully immerse yourself in the internship experience and make the most of the learning opportunities available.
Full-time Experience
Unlike internships during the academic year, summer internships typically allow interns to work full-time. This provides a more comprehensive experience, as you can engage in projects, collaborate with teams, and gain a deeper understanding of the company or organisation’s operations.
Seasonal Industries
Some industries, such as tourism, event management, or agriculture, experience peak seasons during the summer. Interning in these industries during the summer allows you to witness and contribute to companies during the most active period, gaining exposure to unique challenges and opportunities.
Internship Programs
Many companies and organisations offer structured internship programs specifically designed for the summer. These programs often include additional benefits such as training sessions, networking events, and social activities, enhancing the overall internship experience.
Alignment with Academic Break
Summer internships align with the break period for many academic institutions. Since students are generally on a break from their studies during the summer, they can fully commit their time and attention to the internship without the burden of academic coursework.
Cons of Summer Internship
Limited Duration
Summer internships typically last for a few months, which can be a relatively short period of time. This limited duration may restrict the depth of the projects you can work on and the skills you can develop. It may take time to adjust to the work environment and understand the intricacies of the company or organisation.
Competitive Availability
Summer internships tend to be in high demand as many institutes have made participation mandatory. This means there is intense competition for limited seats. It can be challenging to secure an internship with a good company due to the large number of applicants applying for the same opportunities. In such cases, the application and selection process may involve multiple rounds of interviews, assessments, and intense competition from other qualified candidates.
Reduced Flexibility
Summer internships often have fixed start and end dates, which may clash with other personal commitments or academic obligations. This limited flexibility can make it difficult to accommodate travel plans, attend family events, or pursue other interests during the summer.
Seasonal Workloads
Depending on the industry or organisation, summer workloads can be exceptionally high. Companies may experience increased demands or deadlines during this time, which can result in a more intense and demanding internship experience.
Limited Exposure to Academic Resources
During the summer, access to academic resources such as professors, libraries, or research facilities may be reduced or unavailable. This can pose challenges if you need academic support or resources for a project or research-related tasks during your internship.
Remember, the specific pros and cons of summer internships can vary depending on the industry, company, or organisation you are interning with. It is essential to research and consider these factors when evaluating potential summer internship opportunities. Assessing the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about pursuing a summer internship and maximise the benefits you can derive from the experience.
Top Summer Internship Programs
Here are some renowned summer internship programs in India that are available every year:
Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
GSoC is a highly competitive and prestigious program organised by Google. It offers students the opportunity to work on open-source projects mentored by experienced developers. Selected students receive a stipend for their contributions during the summer. GSoC covers various domains such as software development, machine learning, data science, and more.
Microsoft Research India Summer Internship
Microsoft Research India offers a summer internship program that allows students to work on cutting-edge research projects in areas like artificial intelligence, computer vision, human-computer interaction, and more. The program provides a platform for students to collaborate with renowned researchers and gain valuable research experience.
IIT Summer Internship Programs
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across the country offer summer internship programs that attract students from various disciplines. These programs provide opportunities to work on research projects under the guidance of esteemed faculty members. IIT internships cover fields such as engineering, science, technology, and management.
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) Summer Internship
DRDO offers a summer internship program for engineering and science students interested in defence research and development. The program allows students to work on advanced projects and gain exposure to defence technologies. It provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the country’s defence sector.
TCS Research Scholar Program
The TCS Research Scholar Program is a competitive summer internship program that focuses on research and innovation. Selected students have the chance to work with TCS Research, the research and innovation division of Tata Consultancy Services. The program covers diverse research areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
Zuno Summer Internship Fest
Zuno by foundit organised the inaugural Summer Internship Fest in 2023 and it will be held annually. The program focuses on presenting students with a wide range of paid internships handpicked to provide top experience.
It is a three-month program that brings opportunities from some of India’s most exciting companies. You can apply to these opportunities on Zuno.
These programs are highly regarded and offer excellent opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, work on impactful projects, and collaborate with industry experts and researchers. It is important to note that the application processes and eligibility criteria for each program may vary. So, it’s advisable to visit their respective websites for detailed information.
FAQs on Summer Internship
Q1. How much does Amazon pay for internship?
Ans: Amazon internships typically provide competitive compensation, and there is no fixed compensation for internships. The exact pay can vary depending on factors such as the intern’s location, role, and level of experience.
Q2. Do you get paid as an Amazon Intern?
Ans: Yes, Amazon internships are typically paid.
Q3. What is procedure to get internship in Amazon?
Ans: The procedure to get an internship at Amazon involves applying online through their official website, going through multiple rounds of interviews, and receiving an internship offer based on the assessment of your skills and qualifications.
Q4. What work does Amazon Intern do?
Ans: Amazon interns typically work on various projects and tasks that align with their field of study or the specific team they are assigned to. They may assist in research, data analysis, software development, operational tasks, and other relevant responsibilities.
Q5. What is a summer internship?
Ans: A summer internship is a short-term work opportunity typically undertaken by students or young professionals during the summer months. It provides practical experience and a chance to apply knowledge and skills in a real-world work environment.
