The Pros and Cons of Interning in your Hometown

By: Mckenna thornsbury

Photo Courtesy of James Madison University

Is doing an out-of-state internship really that much better for your resume? During an alumni call my sophomore year, the alumni emphasized how excellent an internship outside of your hometown looks on your future resume. However, after completing both an in person internship out of my home state and a virtual internship, there are pros and cons to both experiences. 

Virtual Internship

Starting with a virtual internship, the main pro is the flexibility of your schedule. Most of the time, you can choose your hours and work from any location. When I started my virtual internship, I worked from everywhere, from my couch in Richmond to the beach in North Carolina, and even the Denver airport. Another great part of a flexible schedule is that you may have the opportunity to still work another, more lucrative job on the side, such as waiting tables or nannying. However, a con of a virtual internship is that long hours can be tedious without any workplace culture. It may also be harder to receive on-the-spot feedback or create deeper connections with your coworkers. 

Out of State

An out-of-state internship can have a lot of benefits. One pro is that you can learn a new city, maybe one you could begin a career after graduation. Having an out-of-state internship can also help show initiative on a resume, that you're willing to start fresh for your career. However, it is a big time and price commitment, but having family or friends in that city can definitely be helpful. Starting your work network in a city far away from home can be great if you want to move there, but if not, it is not as helpful when you are freshly graduated. 

At Home 

An internship in your hometown is a great option as well. You get the in-person workplace culture while still being close to friends or family. There may be a possibility return offer since many people choose to come back to their hometown after graduation. However, the major downside of trying to find a summer role within your hometown is the limited or highly competitive internship opportunities available, especially in smaller towns or with specific majors. 

There are a lot of decisions that come into play when deciding where and how to do a summer internship. It is highly useful to weigh what is important to you before you even begin applications. But no matter what happens, it will be a rewarding experience and will ultimately help shape your future professional career.