Throughout high-school and college, you are constantly told that internships are key to getting your dream job. While the dream is to have an internship that is not only paid, but also in your desired career path, we all know that sometimes you have to take the less desired unpaid internship before being able to get the dream internship that you would rather have. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Is the unpaid internship really worth it?” Here are a few reasons why they are.
1. They help you gain experience.
Throughout high school, you were most likely told over and over again the importance of internships, even the unpaid ones. Even though the dream of a teenager/college student is getting an amazing paid internship within their career path, we all know that not everyone can start at the top. Therefore, you have to realize that (most of the time) having an internship that doesn’t pay is much better than not having one at all.
2. They lead you to networking with important people.
Another thing you are often reminded of is the importance of networking – that is, meeting people in your career path and keeping their business cards for future contact. Unpaid internships help you to connect with people your own age -- who are most likely going to be your competition one day -- and employers, who might be the ones looking over your job application after you graduate college. Remember to never, ever burn bridges, not only with your boss, but your fellow co-workers too.
3. They give you amazing opportunities.
You never know what life is going to lead you to, especially during an internship. Getting on the good side of your supervisor or boss will improve your work experience, and it might lead to a paid internship in the future -- or better yet, a job. Opportunities are basically always around in an unpaid internship; you just have to be ready to earn them.
4. They help you figure out your future career path.
We all know that some people attend college for a few semesters still unsure of what they want to do. Non-paid internships helps them to figure that out and give them the opportunity to experience various different careers to figure what they want to do for the rest of their life after they have completed their studies.
5. It makes a nice addition to your resume.
Sometimes, even with decent work experience, your resume could still use that extra something. Unpaid internships add a little more shine to your resume and make you stand out in a sea of contenders.
6. They count for college credit.
Some colleges (such as mine) require that at some point in college, you complete an internship. An unpaid internship knocks the requirement right out of the way while also helping you to develop and polish important skills you need for the real world that lies beyond a college campus.
