Ask HN: take a mediocre internship, or hold out for a great one?

[internhelpme]

I am an undergraduate CS student and recently received an offer from a well-known, but not well-liked, tech company (company x) for a summer internship. The compensation is not great, nor is the location, nor is the expected internship experience at this company. This is not a place I would want to work full-time after graduation.

Company x needs to know my decision by early next week (3 business days from the offer). However, I am in the interview process with a couple top-tier or near top-tier companies. I have alerted them to my competing offer, but doubt they will be able to make a decision by early next week.

Is risking not having any internship worth the possibility of having a great internship, or do I just go with the mediocre one?

[prateekj]

I personally would hold out for a great one! These early internship experiences actually play an important part in shaping your career. But then again, I am not fully aware of your circumstances. It's all about whether you want safety (and the associated mediocrity) or excitement (and the associated risk).

[kdot]

What industry is the company x in?

[internhelpme]

Telecom.

[davidsmith8900]

- There is nothing wrong with taking a risk since you already know what you have in mind but how are you sure the "expected internship experience" will be mediocre/not great? Still if we are talking about a summer internship (and we are still in the middle of November), I think it is best you hold out for a great one. Just be prepared to hustle harder if the "great" internship doesn't come easy.