Should I do work in an experimental physics lab or summer internship?

[mc0210]

Hey PF, quick question for you guys. I got offers (on the same day!) to work with a professor at my college (1.5 hours away from home), paid, to do some experimental work. I also was offered an internship at the Naval Undersea warfare center in Newport, RI (~40 minutes from home). I will be working with the professor this coming fall and am really leaning towards the internship at the Navy base. I just wanted to make sure I wasnt screwing up my decision! The professor is great, however I think it would look better to do this internship and then work with him in the fall rather than just starting earlier. Thanks for your opinions guys, this was a happy day for me!

 

[R.Mesri]

That sounds like a great situation to be in! Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which opportunity is best for you. If the internship at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport is closer to home and offers more experience for your resume, then that might be the better opportunity. However, if working with the professor will give you more useful experience and connections, then that could be the better path. It's really hard to say without knowing more details about the positions. As long as you are happy with your decision, you should go for it!