After attending my first
interview for an unpaid Internship last week, I started to have a think about
the pros and cons of these sorts of roles. Are they really all what they are
made up to be or does the thought of being unpaid after forking out thousands
of pounds worth of tuition fees for the past three years simply put you off? In
this blog I am going to share with you my thoughts on what I really think about
unpaid Internships and answer that nagging question, is an Intern really for
you? Take it from a recent graduate who has applied for numerous roles upon
graduating, I know what it is like! My motto is to stay positive, however
you have to be realistic in this day and age. Nobody said it would
be easy...
So let’s begin with the pros.
The most obvious one being that you
are able to gain valuable experience working in your chosen industry. Internships believe it or not are hard to get your hands on these days just like graduate jobs. It’s a
dog eat dog world out there especially for graduates seeking work after
university so getting an Intern unpaid or not is definitely something to be
proud of. If anything it shows you are trustworthy and know your ‘stuff’ in
regards to the industry or more specifically the company so to speak.
You get to really show the
company what you are made of and why they should take you on permanently. You
will be probably be completing some very mundane tasks from day to day including making the
tea and sorting out the post and you may even feel like you have taken two
steps back rather than forward. However, you will also be expected to get stuck
in with some of the more important and creative stuff which is why you're really there!
They only usually last for 3 months. I don't think a company is legally allowed to keep you on any longer than this without
paying you. So if it’s not for you, move on and let this motivate you to gain some further experience
at a different company or possibly even a paid role.
It looks great on your C.V. Yes anything work related these
days are a bonus for your C.V as I'm sure you're aware. Internships are especially
great as it shows you are committed and value the experience more than anything.
You are able to network with the very best in the industry.
Building contacts at this point in your working life is crucial. As the old saying goes,
it is not what you know these days but who you know. Mix with the right people and
you may see yourself flying to the top.
Surely there must be some cons?
Well obviously if you live
outside of London and you are looking for a creative role like myself, travelling
is the obvious one. I have been searching high and low for fashion and beauty
PR companies around the Birmingham area and so far had no joy. London is where
everything creative happens, in fact where most things happen...
Not only this but finding some money to cover your travel. Most Internships do offer some sort of
expenses (they have to really) but it still doesn't cover the ridiculous prices
you will be expected to pay for a train before 9am. Oh and then there is the
tube…
You’re not guaranteed a job at
the end of it. Yes this is true! Just because you are Interning doesn't
necessarily mean there is a job waiting for you once it's over. However
if you impress the company enough I'm sure they will have no choice but to keep
you on. They would be stupid not to right?
They only usually last around
three months. Also a con, you may feel that by the time you have settled in and
actually starting to understand the company and the role, you are leaving. Therefore make
the most of your time Interning by getting stuck in with anything, and everything
and most importantly getting those contacts!
You often have to work long hours
and at the end of it be expected to do the same all over again the very next
day. Some individuals may feel unmotivated if the environment is very hands on
and you’re not used to working (yes listen up you lazy students). Make sure you
remind yourself why you are there; experience, experience ,experience!
You have to be quite flexible in
terms of working hours and will without doubt be told what to do pretty much all of the
time. You are only an Intern after all so your ideas may not always be valued. Therefore don’t be too disheartened if you aren't able to show off your full potential, especially
to begin with.
Good luck with the job hunt!
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