Career Development - 26 February 2025

When it comes to getting your degree, there’s always one big question should you speed through your courses and graduate as quickly as possible, or should you take your time, get internships, and gain work experience along the way? There’s no one size fits all answer, but understanding the benefits of each path can help you make the right decision.

If you’re feeling stuck between these two choices, don’t worry you’re not alone. Let’s break it down and see which approach works best for you.

The Case for Finishing Your Degree Quickly

Some students prefer to get in, finish their coursework fast, and start their careers as soon as possible. This can be a great choice if you have a clear career path and want to enter the workforce immediately. A fast-track approach minimizes tuition costs and lets you start earning a full time salary sooner. However, this approach often means skipping valuable real world experience, which can put you at a disadvantage when applying for jobs.

Employers today look beyond just a diploma. They want to see proof that you can apply your knowledge in real world scenarios. While finishing quickly gives you the theoretical foundation, it may leave you struggling to find a job if your resume lacks relevant experience. Without internships, you might find yourself in a competitive job market where experience holds as much weight as a degree.

Why Taking Your Time and Gaining Experience is the Smarter Move

Rather than rushing through school, consider a more balanced approach. A one where you mix coursework with internships. Internships allow you to apply what you’re learning in a real work environment, making you a more attractive candidate to future employers. You don’t just graduate with a degree; you graduate with hands on experience, industry connections, and a clearer understanding of the field you want to work in.

Many students who intern while in school end up with full-time job offers from the companies they intern for. This means that by the time you graduate, you already have a foot in the door. Additionally, internships help you discover what you truly enjoy (or don’t enjoy) about a career before you commit to it long-term. Would you rather figure out that a job isn’t for you after just a summer internship or after years of working in the wrong industry?

Internships also open doors to mentorship and professional networking. The connections you make during an internship can guide you toward opportunities that aren’t always advertised to the public. Building these relationships early on sets you up for success long after graduation.

Making the Right Choice for Your Future

If your goal is simply to graduate as fast as possible, you may be missing out on critical opportunities to develop real-world skills that employers expect. While finishing quickly gets you into the workforce sooner, taking your time and gaining experience through internships ensures that you graduate ready to succeed in your career—not just ready to apply for jobs.

At 88ninety, we believe in the power of real-world experience. That’s why we offer internship programs designed to help students gain industry exposure while still in school. If you’re looking for a way to stand out in a competitive job market, check out our Internship Program to learn more!