Why To Be Grateful For An Unpaid Summer Internship

This summer, I was able to land an internship with a local news channel in Lansing, Michigan. When I got the email back from the assistant news director at the station telling me that someone had recently turned down the station’s internship and I had the job if I wanted it, I freaked out. This was my first job in my field of study, which is journalism. I was thrilled to go out and get my name out there and experience what life as a real journalist was like. I also knew that I was going to learn so much from the opportunity and everyone who knew the station kept telling me it is a great team to work for. I found out a few days later that it would be an unpaid internship in exchange for credit. Unpaid internships are usually easier, right?

Wrong.

Life as an unpaid intern is awesome, however at the same time it can be more stressful than being at a job in which you are getting paid. There are certain times where you do not really know your place and there are times where you are not really sure if you should say anything (even if you know you are right). There are also times in which you are often told what to do by someone who is only 4 months older than you. It can be hard and demanding, however; no matter what anyone who has been an unpaid intern has said, it is all worth it.

I have learned more information from being able to go out and shadow all of the different journalists and videographers I work with than I have in two years of school. I get to see how they act as professionals on the job and I get to see people working on a deadline (without myself having to be on one). It could just be the fact that journalists like to talk, but they like to teach you everything they know. I have been very lucky with my internship so far and for anyone who has had a negative intern experience, I am so very sorry.

For people who have never interned, look for unpaid internships. Future employers love seeing someone who will do work for free. It shows you are a hard worker. Not to mention most people would never work for free in the first place.

For people who are currently doing time as an unpaid intern, keep it up and know that your work is respected. It can be hard and demanding but keep telling yourself it will be worth it in the end.

And for journalism majors who are looking to do an internship, read Michigan State professor Joe Grimm’s book, "Breaking In." This book is a marvelous read with plenty of sarcasm to get you through the 166 pages.

Good luck and keep writing.

To be continued.