Should I choose a nonprofit internship or accept a return offer from my public tax internship?
This winter, I’ve been interning in a specific tax niche and received a full-time return offer at $33/hr. Recently, I was accepted for a summer internship with a nonprofit that offers $20/hr but has a strong possibility of a return offer. Both positions are fully remote.
The tax role offers higher pay but comes with a heavier workload, while the nonprofit position pays less but typically provides a better work-life balance. The tax internship would begin in September, while the nonprofit internship starts in May.
I’d love to hear your recommendations!
One response
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it’s great that you have both options to consider! Here are some points to think about for each internship:
Public Tax Internship
Pros:
– Higher pay ($33/hour)
– Stronger job security with a full-time offer after your internship
– Experience in a specialized field that could lead to robust career opportunities in tax or finance
– Potential for professional growth and development in a corporate environment
Cons:
– Likely to have a heavier workload and less work-life balance (WLB)
– May lead to a more structured corporate culture that doesn’t align with your values if you’re leaning towards nonprofit work
Nonprofit Internship
Pros:
– Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to causes you care about
– Generally offers a better work-life balance
– Provides you with experience in a different field, which can be valuable for broadening your skills and networking
– Good chance of a return offer could mean a stable future opportunity
Cons:
– Lower pay ($20/hour), which might impact your financial situation
– Less job security compared to the full-time offer from the tax internship
Considerations:
Career Goals: Think about where you see yourself in the next few years. Do you want to build a career in tax, or are you more passionate about nonprofit work?
Financial Needs: Consider your current financial situation and any obligations. Will the lower pay from the nonprofit affect you significantly?
Work-Life Balance: How important is work-life balance to you at this stage? If it’s a priority, the nonprofit could be more fulfilling.
Network and Experience: Which position aligns better with your long-term career goals and allows you to build a stronger professional network?
Long-Term Perspective: Even if you choose the tax internship now, can you get nonprofit experience later in your career? It’s possible to pivot to nonprofit work down the line if you choose tax now.
Ultimately, choose the path that aligns best with your personal values, career aspirations, and current needs. Whichever option you choose, you can build valuable experience and skills that will serve you in the future!