Are unpaid internships worth taking?

Answer 1

Hello,

When I was in college I took three unpaid internships: one at a law office, another at a non-governmental organization in London and the last at another NGO in India. While it was hard work, and companies who can afford to certainly should pay their interns; what you will learn about yourself and the profession you may be considering will be a priceless payment in itself in the long term.

For instance, I spent most of my time at college under the impression that I really wanted to be an attorney. Five months with a stressed out, seriously underpaid, file ridden Immigration Lawyer--I knew the profession wouldn't be for me.

As others have mentioned internships also give you the chance to acquire skills and pad the old resume (cv) for myself, as for many others, it was the thing that highlighted us from other applicants.

Answer 2

Yes, although I really resent companies which don't pay people who work for them at least something (I consider this slavery, I hate it even more when they tell they will give you course credit for it. They aren't authorized to do this; that comes from the school and is the school's to give, not theirs. Furthermore, they do this to get themselves off the hook in terms of liability. If you hurt yourself on the job and sue, they will say that you weren't their employee; you were a student at your university and should sue them instead!). The reason they are worthwhile anyway is that these days, entry-level jobs are asking for one to three years of work experience in the field! How are you supposed to get that unless you take any job available? While you are in school, much of what is available is unpaid, so that is what you need to do in many fields. The other plus is that for many employers, an internship is like an audition for the job. If you do well, they may offer you a permanent job with pay. I see that happen much of the time (except in certain industries which hire interns INSTEAD of hiring permanent employees).

Answer 3

Yep.
I'm in the same situation. It's like unpaid internships were set up for the rich, not hard working people putting themselves through school.
But in this case I have to bite the bullet.
Time to call the bank of mom and dad, then it's top ramen and cheese sandwiches for the next two months.
Wish me luck.

Answer 4

Unpaid internships allow you to pad your resume. If you can afford to work for free go for it.

Answer 5

Will it separate you from others when applying for a job? Ask yourself that. It'll be good in your resume.

Answer 6

it depends on the job really... if you really want to make whatever you are interning for your career, I would say yes