Getting the Most Out of an Unpaid Internship
Careers Done Write is pleased to have Elaine Hirsch as our guest poster.
Elaine Hirsch is kind of a jack-of-all-interests, from education to technology to public policy, so she is currently working as a writer for various education-related sites and writing about all these things instead.
An internship allows college and university students to receive real-world training in a career related to their study discipline. With today's economy, people who historically had enough experience to find a stable job are instead looking for internships, online school programs, or part-time jobs. Although internships provide the best on-the-job training for many, some internships are unpaid because of this experience students receive. There are several advantages to an unpaid internship most of which will help you with your studies and future career opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act enforces strict guidelines for employers to follow when they offer unpaid internships. One of the criteria is that the will help the student by mentoring and training them during the internship. By obtaining real-world experience, you’ll gain relevant skills to find a paying job after you graduate. Most colleges and online school programs require sponsoring employers to rate your performance at the job. The employer is required to provide a reference or letter of recommendation for your internship. This shows future employers you have the relevant skills required for a career in your specific educational discipline.
A recent survey administered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers showed interns are hired at a rate of 57.7 percent at the employer they interned with. Not only do you gain valuable work experience and skills, there may be a job in the future with the employer if you perform well.
While on the job, you’ll meet professionals and prominent figures in the industry to expand your career network. Every professional you work with during your internship is a potential lead to future jobs. While interning, compile a list of names, email addresses and telephone numbers of the professionals with whom you work. You can also connect with those professionals through blogging and professional social networks to promote yourself when you’re ready to enter the job market.
Employers that provide unpaid internships understand the needs of college students. If they don’t offer a salary or hourly wage they often give interns perks such as free transit fare, free food or food vouchers, and other company benefits such as use of their in-house corporate fitness center. Employers in metropolitan areas where the cost of living is high often have additional perks. Colleges and universities in various locations throughout the country often partner with employers in these areas to attract interns and potential future employees. These types of partnerships lead to free housing close to the employer during the length of the internship.
The decision of accepting an unpaid internship is often tough. Many students need the money to support their education and prefer to work at a paid internship or part-time job. The decision may result in some financial restraints for a short period of time. However, the experience and perks of the unpaid internship are far more beneficial to your future than other options to support short-term financial needs.