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How much do internships pay?
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Do all internships pay?
If some are paid, how much would someone usually earn? Is it an hourly rate?
Do different types of internships pay differently?
Can you negotiate your pay for an internship?
What if an internship doesn't offer pay?
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3 answers
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Alexandra,
Thanks for reaching out! Let me answer each of your questions below:
Do all internships pay?
No, this is not the case. I would say depending on the sector there tends to be a different percentage of paid vs. unpaid internships. Business and engineering related fields seem to pay more often than not, but for those in education and non-profits they normally do not. However, this can vary from industry to industry and company to company.
If some are paid, how much would someone usually earn? Is it an hourly rate?
Again, this really depends on 1) the industry and 2) the company. There are some that pay minimum wage all the way up to substantial amounts. Yes, this is usually an hourly rate.
Do different types of internships pay differently?
This depends on the company primarily. Most of them have an hourly pay that you'll receive every two weeks, sometimes this is monthly.
Can you negotiate your pay for an internship?
I personally haven't done this but know of others that have. I believe what really helps here is if you have previous internship experience and or other offers to use as leverage.
What if an internship doesn't offer pay?
There are other options such as getting internship credits (if your university requires it for graduation) sometimes; however, be sure to check with your company and school for more information.
Thanks for reaching out! Let me answer each of your questions below:
Do all internships pay?
No, this is not the case. I would say depending on the sector there tends to be a different percentage of paid vs. unpaid internships. Business and engineering related fields seem to pay more often than not, but for those in education and non-profits they normally do not. However, this can vary from industry to industry and company to company.
If some are paid, how much would someone usually earn? Is it an hourly rate?
Again, this really depends on 1) the industry and 2) the company. There are some that pay minimum wage all the way up to substantial amounts. Yes, this is usually an hourly rate.
Do different types of internships pay differently?
This depends on the company primarily. Most of them have an hourly pay that you'll receive every two weeks, sometimes this is monthly.
Can you negotiate your pay for an internship?
I personally haven't done this but know of others that have. I believe what really helps here is if you have previous internship experience and or other offers to use as leverage.
What if an internship doesn't offer pay?
There are other options such as getting internship credits (if your university requires it for graduation) sometimes; however, be sure to check with your company and school for more information.
Updated
Edwin’s Answer
Hello Alexandra,
Happy to help!
There are unpaid and paid internships, however, most of the paid internships that I have had were minimum wage. So, I would search what the minimum wage is in your area.
For me, the most important thing is to expand your networks and going on informational interviews was really helpful. For example, I was able to intern at a law firm because in high school I wanted to become a lawyer; however a couple of weeks into the internship I realized this was not my passion.
I would say larger companies are more likely to pay their interns, whereas an intern at a small start-up likely would not get paid. But, working for a small start-up has countless benefits because you will be able to give your input towards more tasks/ duties. Also, you would be able to get college credits for an unpaid internship.
Best of luck, to other members, with finding an internship!!
Best,
Edwin
Happy to help!
There are unpaid and paid internships, however, most of the paid internships that I have had were minimum wage. So, I would search what the minimum wage is in your area.
For me, the most important thing is to expand your networks and going on informational interviews was really helpful. For example, I was able to intern at a law firm because in high school I wanted to become a lawyer; however a couple of weeks into the internship I realized this was not my passion.
I would say larger companies are more likely to pay their interns, whereas an intern at a small start-up likely would not get paid. But, working for a small start-up has countless benefits because you will be able to give your input towards more tasks/ duties. Also, you would be able to get college credits for an unpaid internship.
Best of luck, to other members, with finding an internship!!
Best,
Edwin
Updated
Emily’s Answer
At the jobs I have had in Michigan, our interns have made anywhere from $12 - 15.50 an hour. It is a great place to start as you think about what company and industry you want to join. You can gage about a company and departments within by being a intern.