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Is it normal to take on unpaid internships to gain experience?
I am a current Senior in high school with little experience. I know I need to get experience to build my resume and skills. Is it wise to get internships that do not pay? #intern #internship
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10 answers
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
Unfortunately, unpaid internships are very common in the United States. Depending on your field of interest, there may not be many alternatives to taking an unpaid internship. I highly recommend staying away from any unpaid positions if possible - at the end of the day, the organization is getting free labor from you.
It's ok to not have much experience as a high school senior - you have lots of time to learn and work on personal projects. I recommend only taking paid positions because you deserve to be financially compensated for your labor.
Good luck!
Unfortunately, unpaid internships are very common in the United States. Depending on your field of interest, there may not be many alternatives to taking an unpaid internship. I highly recommend staying away from any unpaid positions if possible - at the end of the day, the organization is getting free labor from you.
It's ok to not have much experience as a high school senior - you have lots of time to learn and work on personal projects. I recommend only taking paid positions because you deserve to be financially compensated for your labor.
Good luck!
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Edwin! Yes, absolutely! My friend actually did an internship and there are some internships that also have job positions available where you can apply afterwards as well. These are great resume builders and can teach a lot. I understand it may be tough if you are looking for income so possibly begin with an internship and see if you can move up or have certain days that can be available for working so you can also gain income - if needed.
I hope this helps!
I wish you the best!
I hope this helps!
I wish you the best!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
It depends on the industry. Especially in tech, it's not as common to see unpaid internships, but I believe in medicine, it's almost the norm. If you end up taking an unpaid internship, I'd look into getting a grant from your school to help finance your costs over the summer (like for relocation, housing, etc).
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Shruti’s Answer
Hi!
It is great to take on any experience you can get even if it is unpaid. I have done this my freshman year in the summer and I learned a lot. This experience that I gained helped me get involved and be chosen for other paid opportunities. Money will come in the future but right now it is all about building and gaining experience!
It is great to take on any experience you can get even if it is unpaid. I have done this my freshman year in the summer and I learned a lot. This experience that I gained helped me get involved and be chosen for other paid opportunities. Money will come in the future but right now it is all about building and gaining experience!
Updated
Ma. Edgie’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
I think even in other countries, it is normal that interns or students/people who are in internship program do not really get paid, however it still depends. In some cases, interns only get an specific small amount of allowance or sometimes food allowances. Just focus on the experience and the learnings you'll collect along your intern experience, be friendly and approachable, do not be afraid to ask questions. Maybe after you intern they might give you real job offer, some companies do that when the intern did a job well done. Enjoy the experience, the process and the overall journey you have. Do not pressure your self too much.
Be safe and best of luck!
- Edgie
I think even in other countries, it is normal that interns or students/people who are in internship program do not really get paid, however it still depends. In some cases, interns only get an specific small amount of allowance or sometimes food allowances. Just focus on the experience and the learnings you'll collect along your intern experience, be friendly and approachable, do not be afraid to ask questions. Maybe after you intern they might give you real job offer, some companies do that when the intern did a job well done. Enjoy the experience, the process and the overall journey you have. Do not pressure your self too much.
Be safe and best of luck!
- Edgie
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Yes, unpaid internships are common especially if you are not yet a collegian or have prior experience (Make sure your unpaid internship is valid as there are several criteria that would classify it to be illegal - don't get exploited!). It is a good way to build experience especially since most internships are targeted for juniors (but there are externships or some internships created for sophomores). Generally slim internship opportunities if you're freshman.
If you know what industry you'd like to go into, it would be ideal if you obtained some experience (paid or not) so you're able to relate it during interviews.
Another take is taking on paid jobs outside your comfort to build general soft skills (such as communication skills, building work ethics, working in teams, and customer-facing experience in general). For example, a retail role may be a good alternative if you need to support yourself/family financial but want to build good general work experience.
Also if you currently work for a fast food joint or tutoring, don't discredit that work experience either and it is all about describing/framing the transferrable experience!
If you know what industry you'd like to go into, it would be ideal if you obtained some experience (paid or not) so you're able to relate it during interviews.
Another take is taking on paid jobs outside your comfort to build general soft skills (such as communication skills, building work ethics, working in teams, and customer-facing experience in general). For example, a retail role may be a good alternative if you need to support yourself/family financial but want to build good general work experience.
Also if you currently work for a fast food joint or tutoring, don't discredit that work experience either and it is all about describing/framing the transferrable experience!
Updated
Anisa’s Answer
Yes! Most internships in the United States, don't pay. I did an unpaid research internships my last year of college, and it's the reason I have the career that I have today. Even if the opportunity seems hard, and you put in tons of hours with very little monetary return, it can be worth it. I met tons of people, and was exposed to many different career options. It allowed me to figure out what I wanted to actually do in my career.
It was a Research internship at a Medical School, in a Lab and it resulted in me working for a health care startup, which lead me to work at more startups. And I decided that I wanted to go into Tech sales from there. You never know what you'll learn and who you'll meet. It was hard to not get paid, I was fortunate enough to have the ability to do that. Some student's don't have the option to be part of an unpaid internship. So with that said, there are ways to find paid internships and your school should be able to help with that. Also, try to speak to other students in your field who have found paid internships, and have them be a resource for you.
It was a Research internship at a Medical School, in a Lab and it resulted in me working for a health care startup, which lead me to work at more startups. And I decided that I wanted to go into Tech sales from there. You never know what you'll learn and who you'll meet. It was hard to not get paid, I was fortunate enough to have the ability to do that. Some student's don't have the option to be part of an unpaid internship. So with that said, there are ways to find paid internships and your school should be able to help with that. Also, try to speak to other students in your field who have found paid internships, and have them be a resource for you.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Edwin:
Yes, it actually is very common for internships to be unpaid. This is especially true in todays work environment, where budgets and working at home have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Traditional internship opportunities have been substantially changed as a result, and many times the internships are conducted in remote locations and are unpaid. It is true that unpaid internships may not work for everyone, but they do provide valuable opportunities for gaining workplace experience, which could assist you in landing a more lucrative job in the future. Many of my former students have done unpaid internships, and it is something that I do encourage others to consider. It is a wonderful way for the internee to establish a network and references, which can help in landing a future job and long term employment opportunities. It is clear that the companies in our society are in fierce competition for the best employees, and any experience, whether paid or unpaid can provide you with an advantage over others. Plus, if you are working an internship, that is related to your degree, you will gain a valuable amount of insight and knowledge of the industry, which can also provide you with an advantage over others. It may also help you to find a mentor within your employment opportunity, which can help you reach higher levels within an organization. It can also assist you in learning a variety of job skills, which will also assist you in achieving your career goals.
Check and make sure the internship is aligned with your current career goals and ambitions
Be motivated. Companies are more likely to hire interns who want to work and who they are willing to invest in
Keep in mind that you want to acquire transferrable skills and knowledge about the industry you are working in
Optimize the time you are an intern. The personal brand and impression you make will help you in the long term.
Yes, it actually is very common for internships to be unpaid. This is especially true in todays work environment, where budgets and working at home have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Traditional internship opportunities have been substantially changed as a result, and many times the internships are conducted in remote locations and are unpaid. It is true that unpaid internships may not work for everyone, but they do provide valuable opportunities for gaining workplace experience, which could assist you in landing a more lucrative job in the future. Many of my former students have done unpaid internships, and it is something that I do encourage others to consider. It is a wonderful way for the internee to establish a network and references, which can help in landing a future job and long term employment opportunities. It is clear that the companies in our society are in fierce competition for the best employees, and any experience, whether paid or unpaid can provide you with an advantage over others. Plus, if you are working an internship, that is related to your degree, you will gain a valuable amount of insight and knowledge of the industry, which can also provide you with an advantage over others. It may also help you to find a mentor within your employment opportunity, which can help you reach higher levels within an organization. It can also assist you in learning a variety of job skills, which will also assist you in achieving your career goals.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Firstly, I think how you would value on the the internship. Would you like to earn experience from the internship or you would earn the financial return. Having said that, not all internship is unpaid. As far as I know, many internship would be paid though it may not be high.
I would suggest below steps you could look for internship :
1. Identify the industry areas that you would like to pursue your future career. You can choose a few of them.
2. Watch out for internship opportunities of the corporates in that selected industry
3. If you have any corporate that you really have great interest, you can also send them email with your cv about your interest to be an intern
4. If you are offered an interview opportunity, you can discuss with the corporate on the work scope, intern duration, any salary, etc.
Being an intern, you can experience the real working environment, gain experience and establish network in the industry, etc. These are valuable for your future development.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
I would suggest below steps you could look for internship :
1. Identify the industry areas that you would like to pursue your future career. You can choose a few of them.
2. Watch out for internship opportunities of the corporates in that selected industry
3. If you have any corporate that you really have great interest, you can also send them email with your cv about your interest to be an intern
4. If you are offered an interview opportunity, you can discuss with the corporate on the work scope, intern duration, any salary, etc.
Being an intern, you can experience the real working environment, gain experience and establish network in the industry, etc. These are valuable for your future development.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
Unpaid internships are fairly common. I know it may pose a financial challenge, but it can be quite useful to just get that experience. Often times, that company will hire you as a result when they may not have considered you otherwise.
Internships are excellent in your search for the right type of work. So consider it like school and maybe your will stomach it easier. But, I will say that many companies pay their interns. Right now with so many companies having difficulty finding employees, you may have an easier time landing a paid internship.
Good luck in your search!
Mary
Unpaid internships are fairly common. I know it may pose a financial challenge, but it can be quite useful to just get that experience. Often times, that company will hire you as a result when they may not have considered you otherwise.
Internships are excellent in your search for the right type of work. So consider it like school and maybe your will stomach it easier. But, I will say that many companies pay their interns. Right now with so many companies having difficulty finding employees, you may have an easier time landing a paid internship.
Good luck in your search!
Mary