Torn on Maintenance/ Electrician work?

I’m currently an Electrical Engineering student at a reputable university. Unlike most of my peers, I have never looked down on blue-collar or hands-on work. Honestly, I’ve been in the trades and the practical work can sometimes be rewarding. I also don’t come from a ton of money.

I’ll be a junior this year, and I’m planning how to spend this next vitally important summer, for which I’ve have had a couple of considerable offers.

Summer 2026 Options:

• White-collar defense/finance (~50k/yr equivalent) Aligned with degree, opens the door for post-grad.

• Full-time maintenance electrician (~75k/yr equivalent) 3 days a week, better pay, still relevant to field.

This has not been an easy decision for me. The electrician role offers experience with real work, the internship is mostly projects and traditional job pathways.

Has anyone else gone electrician —> EE? This has to be normal right?