At the outset, it’s necessary to understand internships and research. An internship is a temporary job that emphasises on-the-job training. However, research is a systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and draw new conclusions.
In many instances, internships and research are intertwined, especially in fields like science, technology, economics, and social studies. Internships in these areas often involve research components as part of the job. That’s when things can get a bit complex, and the lines between an internship and research might start to blur.
If the research you are conducting is part and parcel of your internship, and you cannot separate the two, it may be considered one activity. This is particularly true if the research project is a duty assigned to you during the internship. In this scenario, the research is part of the internship experience, and therefore, it might be viewed as a single extracurricular activity.
On the other hand, if the research project is something you initiated or is above and beyond the regular duties of your internship, it could potentially be viewed as a separate activity. This is especially likely if the research results in something tangible, like a paper, a presentation, or a significant contribution to a larger project. In this case, you might be able to count the research as a separate extracurricular activity since it represents an additional commitment and output beyond the standard internship responsibilities.
Another aspect to consider is the scope of the research. If the research is extensive and requires a significant commitment of time and resources, it’s more likely to be considered a separate activity. For example, if you’re working on a major research project that is expected to result in a publication or a patent, this could potentially be seen as a separate activity even if it is conducted during the internship.
However, it’s crucial to note that what ultimately matters is the quality of your involvement and what you have learned from the experience, rather than simply the number of activities you can list. Whether your research is considered a part of your internship or a separate activity, both experiences contribute to your skill set, your understanding of the field, and your professional development.