Paid VS Unpaid Internship: Which one to choose?
Are you looking for an internship?
So, semesters are about over, and the most of us are all set to do an internship in our respective fields. Well, internship is the step towards your job. Proving your worth as an intern can help you to get your dream job. Internship can be paid or it can unpaid and sometime it becomes difficult to choose between the two. So, here are few important points you should keep in your mind before taking up any internship.
Here are some questions to ask before making your decision.
What do you want to get out of the internship?
If you really need a summer job that pays, your focus should be on either a paid internship or a non-internship opportunity. But if you have the resources to support yourself, or are able to get another job in addition to your internship, an unpaid internship may offer some perks that a paid one doesn’t. Both types of internships have their own profits. For example, many small companies do not have the budgets to pay interns, but sometimes they can offer a lot more hands-on experience than larger companies. The key is to find out what opportunities the company is able to provide and to make the most of them. From weekly meetings with the leadership team to one-on-one mentoring with a senior manager, employers are happy to have enthusiastic interns and will likely work with you to help you make the most of your experience.
What type of internship will be most helpful to your career path?
As we mentioned above, both the internships provide different types of perks. If you are nearing the end of your time in college, chances are you have already had an internship (or two) and you are probably ready to take the next step towards your post-college career: a paid position. On the other hand, if you are a freshman or sophomore and are looking to gain experience in a specific field, you may consider unpaid internships that give you the chance to develop certain skills and build your resume. The good news: You are more likely to land a paid internship with an unpaid internship under your belt!
Is there a possible future with the company?
One of the best things about internships (both paid and unpaid) is that they can lead to a full-time job with a company. If you work sincerely there, you could be get hired. In fact, the promise of landing a full-time job is one of the main reasons why students consider unpaid internships in the first place. The best way to find out if the company you are considering interning with has a history of hiring interns is to ask directly. And if they have a history of hiring interns, they will probably mention it upfront!
Choosing an internship is one of the most important decisions you can make during your time in college, and having as much information as possible will help you pick the right one. The key is to know what you want and work with potential employers to find the best fit.
All the very best Interns!
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