What do you do if you want to choose between interning at a small business or a large corporation?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many interns over the years, and they’ve usually been great additions to our team. My tip for choosing the right internship? Make sure it allows you to broaden and sharpen your skills. For instance, if you’re passionate about data analytics but the small business you're considering doesn’t focus on that, it might not be the best match. However, if your expertise aligns with the company’s needs, interning at a small business could offer you more hands-on experience and greater responsibility than a larger firm. Interning with a small business can be especially rewarding if you enjoy seeing the direct impact of your work and thrive in a tight-knit team setting.

When choosing between interning at a small business or a large corporation, consider your career goals, the learning opportunities each offers, the company culture, and the potential for networking. Interning at a small business might provide hands-on experience, a chance to wear multiple hats, and potentially closer mentorship, while a large corporation could offer structured programs, exposure to different departments, and the resources of a big organization. Evaluate which environment aligns best with your interests, skills, and long-term aspirations.

Reflecting on your long-term career goals is important when deciding between a small business or a large corporation for an internship. Here’s something else to consider: sometimes the best choice isn’t about the size of the company but the quality of the mentorship available. A great mentor in a small business might offer deeper insights and more personalized guidance than what you might find in a larger company’s structured program. On the flip side, a big corporation could open doors to networking opportunities that are hard to match. Instead of focusing solely on company size, think about where you can grow the most and gain valuable experiences that align with your career aspirations.

When evaluating whether to intern at a small business or a large corporation, consider a lesser-discussed aspect of learning styles: resilience and adaptability. While structured environments in big companies are great for those who prefer clear guidance, the unpredictable nature of small businesses can actually strengthen your problem-solving skills and adaptability—qualities that are highly valuable in today’s fast-changing job market. So, if you’re looking to not just learn but also build resilience, a small business might give you the edge by pushing you to deal with challenges that don’t have obvious, predefined solutions.

Interning at a large corporation often gives you access to a broader, global network and high-profile projects that can be impressive on a resume. However, small businesses can offer deeper, more meaningful connections where you're more likely to form lasting relationships with colleagues and leadership. These relationships can provide personalized mentorship and open doors in ways that being one of many in a large company might not. Consider where you can build a network that aligns with your career aspirations and will support your growth long-term.