College classes are tough enough, right? Working part time in order to buy some groceries every now and then just adds to the scarcity of free time. So, the only logical thing to do is to add an internship in there, right?

Internships are very important to future employers. They help build a resume, and allow for a development of useful skills. Internships expand your network, and open your door even wider to the real world. Recently, I have been hearing some gossip about internships being paid vs. unpaid. As someone who is currently fulfilling an unpaid internship, I'll break it down.

When some students hear about obtaining an unpaid internship, they cringe. Their mind is set on the idea that they are providing "free labor." This is America, damn it! We must be paid! Slow your roll there, buddy. An internship's goal is provide work experience before heading out to the real world in search for a job. Unpaid internships truly display an intern's loyalty, dedication, and enthusiasm in the work place. Since there is no physical 'reward' for the work being put into an unpaid internship, it is almost like a test to see how well of an overall worker the intern truly is. If the intern is reliable, manages their time, and is serious about the internship, this could lead to future letters of recommendation, or even a job offer.

Obtaining a paid internship also depends on the student's major. Some areas of study are more fortunate than others and have a lot more opportunities out there. For example, engineers have countless amounts of internship options, and many of those experiences are paid. When it comes to receiving credit for an internship, however, most students will take what they can get. When it comes down to it, does it really hurt to spend 10-20 hours of your week gaining real-world experience without actually being in the real world?

Think about it. Having an internship is like having one foot in your comfort place, and one foot out in the cold. You are still able to pull back inside where you know you are safe and warm while still having exposure to the cold. It is the test trial of having a real job, without actually having a real job. In relation, a benefit of having an internship is narrowing down the work options when graduation comes. Don't like what you're doing at your internship now? Cross it off the list!

Overall, internships have many of benefits either paid or unpaid. Money aside, being an intern is an awesome opportunity that allows for hands on experience outside of the classroom. Just think, if you are upset with the fact that you are not getting paid to "work," think about how you are one step ahead of the students who do not leave the classroom. In the long run, internships will boost confidence levels, expand networks, help determine future employment, and who knows...maybe even help discover some hidden talents.

Take some risks every now and then.