illchangethislater8
1195
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TL;DR at the end.
So I'm a full time student and I need an internship to complete a minor in public and global health studies. (I choose internship instead of study abroad because no money).
So I reach out to many organizations in my city and finally received a positive response. I don't want to say who just in case. They have programs all throughout the state. I want to work with smoking cessation programs and they have one for women who are pregnant.
All went well with my interview and they are happy to have me complete some research for them, create info graphics and other materials for them to distribute.
I was so excited until I found out they won't pay me at all and consider me a volunteer.
I don't know if this is petty or not but I am a full time student, I work 5-10 hours a week at a part time job, I work in a research lab which is like another part time job with no pay (for credit), and I mentor students in courses. I was hoping this internship would pay so I wouldn't have to juggle so many things and maybe work less at my part time job. Or at the least save some money for my tuition and rent.
But nope. Basically working for free. The worst part is I don't NEED this internship. It's not what my career will be directly in. Of course it's still valuable experience and I'm interested in it... But ugh.
Anyone got any advice on this situation?
My other option is to apply to a one week experience that is prearranged by the program. It's for one week either over spring break or at the end of the semester. I would have to pay to do it but would save me a lot of time and stress. At this point I'm kind of considering it.
TL;DR: OP got internship but found out it's unpaid. Doesn't know what to do.
HomeRowKing
If they consider you a volunteer and not an actual intern, they can have you do whatever the fuck they want for no pay. I'd say bail
marblegoochscab
Could lead to employment later. Is valuable work experience. Break an egg to make an omelette. Etc...
Masada14
You have value. It sounds to me like they consider you an option. Never give anyone priority if they consider you an option.
Tarnisae
Don't do it. Longtime internships should be paid so that students don't replace people who actually need a paid job.
governmentgavemeagun
Don't do it. They're thieving scum.
Lobular
Working 40 hours internship (no payment) with a 12 hour job on the side for more then half a year already. Life isn't always easy
Kasarthic
It is only 10 hours a week max. Get another job. Most internships don't pay or thy pay absolute crap
DormantGolem
Most internships are crap unless you're doing specifically was the job would correspond with or even get to talk with experience 1/
DormantGolem
Professionals about things you are intended to go about in the career of your choice 2/
NotAWaffle
Most internships aren't paid, they can be, but usually aren't. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internship
NotAWaffle
Honestly if you can't afford the time, dont, but if it's just because of money, you'll be happy to have that experience when job hunting.
homebrew
At this point in your career you are building a resume, but if this won't further your career find an internship that will.
Trexel
This business/computer science internships are always paid.. I had a friend that made $23 an hour as an intern, and didn't know anyone who
Trexel
Made less than 15. Usually closer to 20 though. That bones OP. Experience is worth it though