# Internship vs. co-op: compare the work and the effect on your degree

## Compare the same 20 weeks, not just the internship wages

Fictional comparison over one 20-week period. The listed alternative job is available for the other ten weeks. All stated hours are paid. Subtract only the listed option-specific costs; taxes, shared living costs and academic consequences remain outside this calculation.

### Two options over the same period

| Item | Local internship plus other job | Co-op |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Internship or co-op earnings | 10 × 40 hours × $24 = $9,600 | 20 × 40 hours × $22 = $17,600 |
| Other job earnings | 10 × 20 hours × $16 = $3,200 | $0 |
| Listed option-specific costs | $500 | $6,500 |

## Your turn

Which option leaves more after these listed costs, and by how much?

## Your answer

[Write your approach here.]

## For your own application

Include what you would actually do during the weeks outside a shorter internship, without counting an unconfirmed job as guaranteed income.

Return to the guide for the worked answer and source notes:
https://internshipdeadlines.com/guides/internship-vs-co-op