cgar514

Hi. So I'm a freshman computer science student, and I'm planning on a research career in academia, like at a university or some national lab. But during my summers and during my open times, would it be more useful with that career in mind to do research or corporate internships?

My current vague thoughts are that it might be better to do corporate for frosh or soph year since research might be a bit over the top and I might not get as much out of it, but by junior or senior yr I should have the background to benefit more from research.

What are your thoughts? Thanks!

vivace13

If you are trying to go in to academia (I assume you want/need to get a PhD), research experience is a must. I did research after my sophomore year when I was thinking about getting a PhD, but realized academia wasn't for me. I then did a corporate internship after my junior year.

If you can start doing research now and keep doing it over future summers, I think that will look a lot better to grad schools than doing a corporate internship. Plus you'll be able to get greats LORs.