Are Unpaid Internships worth it?

Gabriel Garza

In most universities, there are programs that help students get paid or unpaid summer internships to acquire professional experience. Most of the people think that doing an internship is a great thing even tough it is unpaid, although others think that these types of internships are not worth it.

Experiences make a difference. Graduating with some past professional experience definitely makes a great impact when applying to full-time jobs. For unpaid internships, the career center of UC Berkley mentions: “When the experience is substantive and meaningful, it helps you learn more about a career field, as well as build skills that help you get a paid internship or full-time job in the future.” Although you may be an obstacle for the company, if it helps you for your learning, these internships are worthwhile.

 

Even though an unpaid internship could be a good career move, sometimes students cannot afford it, and causes more downsides than upsides. Ben Yagoda mentions in an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education that many students “will have to needlessly cough up $2,300 each this summer for the privilege of working without pay”. Sometimes, the professional experience is not what you have hoped to, and in addition you have to cover up travel and living expenses. Students that encounter these experiences would have rather study abroad or learn a foreign language during their summer break. Summer internships are meaningful not only because of the experience you obtain, but also because you get rewarded for the big effort you do. If these things are not fulfilled, you will more likely end up paying instead of you getting paid.