u/Head-Nobody-2646

Hi all,

I am an undergraduate student at a smaller institution who would like to be a PhD one day (insofar that my reasoning and personal direction doesn't change). I'm starting to plan for next summer, and I am curious whether it would be a better experience (for personal growth and as well as for my resume) to intern professionally or to attend a program like AEASP?

Obviously, nothing is confirmed nor guaranteed, but I am just curious whether or not an opportunity like interning at the Fed or a consulting firm is more meaningful and reflective of the real world than attending a program like AEASP or doing research over the summer?

I also intend on working a few years before applying for PhDs, if that helps.