Should I take a year off?

[imron]

The logic is internship --> job.

And that's the part you have to control The nice part is if you set your mind now to go as soon as you finish, it takes a bit of pressure off you in your final year as you won't need to worry about looking for a job

[KevinAdams]

If it is financially viable for you, and possible at your university, then you should consider doing a year study abroad program in China. This will delay your graduation a year, but still allow you to get an internship the next (your fifth year) summer. While on exchange you can take some language classes, and maybe some culture and literature classes that you would never really have access to in a western university. Also, if you do it think way since you will still be enrolled at your home university you will be less likely to not finish your degree. And when you are on exchange you are still enrolled at your home university so student loan repayment doesn't kick in, which would happen if you just took a full year off.

I'm on exchange in Hong Kong this semester and one thing I have learned is that you should not delay learning Chinese. Aside from the personal benefit, It is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Especially if you are an engineer. While you don't necessarily need it now, in 10 or 15 years you will if you want to advance your career.