After following a lively discussion about unpaid internships over at 20 Something Bloggers, I think it's time that I weigh in with my own thoughts.
I used to be adamantly against unpaid internships—and I still am in certain cases. The relationship should be mutually beneficial—if you are working as an unpaid intern and all you're doing is answering phones, that's an abuse of the relationship. There are two factors that must be accounted for before accepting an unpaid internship.
- You should be receiving college credit for the experience.
- The role should provide you with real and valuable experience—not just look good on paper.
- youintern.com: Internship reviews and postings
- internshipin.com: Job board dedicated to internships, created by 18-year-old Jessica Mah
Tags: internship, unpaid
Stephanie Zilles
My internship in college was unpaid. I expected it to be since I was getting college credit and it took the place of a class. It felt just like class except what I was doing would be looked at professionally. While I did a lot of work, not much of it was used at the firm. If it had been, I would have been frustrated for not getting any credit (i.e. payment) for my talent and product.
That being said, I think paid/unpaid depends a lot on when and where you do your internship. If you go to a small school like I did and are looking for something while your classes are in session, an unpaid internship might not be so bad. However, if you want to do something during the summer, I completely agree with you that getting a paid internship in a big city is an excellent way to go.
Either way, I think the important thing to remember is that any internship-good or bad-is a beneficial one. Being paid for it is a plus.
And mine got me the job I’m in now, so I can’t complain now that I’m getting paid
SparklyD
I’m in a position where I can’t afford to take an unpaid internship. I agree, classroom credit is the only way. I’m taking my campaigns project with a non-profit, and joining a communications temp agency, and work in an entry level public relations position. I have to be creative because I work, and go to school.
Courtney Smith
Unpaid internships remind me of one of my favorite movies, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Will Smith’s character works his butt off for no pay– all with no home and a young child! However, it all pays off in the end. When faced with no other options, an unpaid internship may be necessary to make progress in your career. Living in a smaller city, such as Eugene, Oregon (which is filled with non-profits!), makes it very difficult to find a paid internship. In my circumstances, I think of unpaid internships as small sacrifices I need to make in order to be successful.
Rachel .:. A Step Ahead.:.
As a student who is paying college on my own, an unpaid internship can put me in a difficult situation. For my major at Central Michigan University, I am required to do a six credit hour internship in order to graduate. Just paying for the six credit hours will cost me more than $1,500. I will also need to pay my bills during my internship, along with driving expenses.
But, I do understand that some places cannot afford to pay an intern.
At my current internship, I am paid minimum wage. Considering this is my first internship, but I do a lot of work that is used, I feel that my wages are appropriate.
Would I accept an unpaid internship? Certainly, if I were to gain a large amount of experience. Would I fetch coffee for free? Probably not.
Internships are a valuable experience though and I think they are absolutely necessary to advance your career.
Allie Osmar
Thanks everyone for weighing in with your personal stories and thoughts. I always like to hear what other people have to say when it comes to unpaid internships, especially since they can be so different with each case.
Daniel Hoang
I recently donated to my school’s internship fund to assist students who want to take an unpaid internship because it provides great experience but couldn’t afford it financially. My biggest regret is taking a paid internship over an unpaid one simply because of money.
That said, just pick the one that gives you the best experience and expands your horizons.