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Ask the Career Expert: Should I Take an Unpaid Internship?
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J.T. O'Donnell | Excelle
Being new to the workforce isn’t easy. Let Excelle help you! We’re delighted to introduce a new weekly column by venerated career expert, J.T. O’Donnell, founder of Careerealism.com.
She’ll be taking member questions each week, on topics ranging from finding your first job, to getting a promotion and managing office politics. Submit your question here.
This week, a community member wants to know when she should take an unpaid internship.
Dear J.T.,
I was off at my advertising firm after spending a successful two years with the company. I’ve spent the last six months seriously searching for another position but have come up against dead ends.
Unfortunately I landed my first gig straight out of school so I don’t have a ton of experience under my belt – I know I’m now interviewing against seasoned professional who’ve been in the business for dozens of years.
When should I start thinking of accepting an unpaid internship? I know it’ll help my resume but I kind of feel like it’s 10 steps backward.
And if I do accept one, do I have any negotiating power as to what I expect out of it? (after all, I’m not a recent college grad) Like demanding a written review at the end of the term or even an option to stay on as a full time employee?
I’d love your advice on how I should handle this?
Thanks,
Kate
Dear Kate,
I’m a big fan of internships, even ones that don’t offer financial compensation, but only when they are done right. The term ‘unpaid’ is important to consider here. It implies you aren’t getting anything for the experience.
Here are the things to consider:
To recap:
Unfortunately, I see a lot of young people accept internships without doing their homework first. The result is an experience that makes them feel like they got nothing valuable out of it (i.e. months of making copies and getting coffee), and that’s not good for your career or your self-esteem!
I’m not saying that internships like that are bad uses of your time; it’s just that we should never enter a work relationship unless we feel there is a fair exchange between us and the employer. That being said, here’s how to ensure the above doesn’t happen to you…
No compensation? Focus on those worthy of your time.
If you are considering taking an internship that doesn’t provide monetary compensation, then begin by researching and creating a list of top employers who you feel it would be worth working for without pay. I call it “professionally stalking” and it means identifying the companies and their staff who you feel you’d learn the most from. Make sure they have a solid reputation in the industry. Then, proactively reach out to them and explain that you’ve done your homework and want to work for them. This will elevate you in their eyes and help set the tone for your working relationship.
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