The Everlasting Dilemma of Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

As a university student or graduate, you always look for ways to strengthen your CV and widen your job prospects, and that is what internships are for. An internship usually runs from a week to twelve months, full-time or part-time, and it is either paid or unpaid. The choice between the two has more layers than whether you get paid, and opinions fall on both sides. Because internships are an essential step in preparing for your career, it is worth weighing the pros and cons of each.

Benefits of paid internships

• Money. The obvious advantage. You can cover part of your tuition or your daily needs.
• Self-esteem. Being paid makes you feel accomplished and valued, and it motivates you to work harder.
• A stronger resume. Paid internships are competitive, so securing one impresses future employers and improves your chances.

Drawbacks of paid internships

• You are expected to work like an employee, which means more workload and pressure.
• You might be tempted to choose the internship for the money rather than the experience.
• Paid roles in your exact field are scarce, so you may end up in an internship unrelated to the career you want.

Benefits of unpaid internships

• Hands-on experience. You gain practical experience you might not get at university, learn from your own mistakes and get advice on the spot. It widens your view of your field and grows your interests.
• A stronger CV. It is still a great addition to your CV.
• Less workload. You are not expected to perform like a full employee.
• No experience required. The aim is to help you gain experience, grow your knowledge and learn new skills.
• A path to a job. Interns often become future employees of the same company.
• Long-term value. The experience, skills and advice you gain stay with you and help you choose your future career.
• Growth. The main focus is developing your potential, skills and knowledge.

Drawbacks of unpaid internships

The main drawback of an unpaid internship is the same reason many people choose paid ones: money. University students paying expensive tuition often need a full-time or part-time income.

Work to learn

As Robert Kiyosaki put it in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, "Work to learn, not to earn."

When choosing an internship, don't choose only for the money. Choose the one that offers a truly hands-on, valuable experience. It will grow your knowledge of the field through varied tasks, and it will show you what you enjoy most.

That saves you from the endless cycle of chasing a higher income. Take the opportunity to find what you love, and you will feel unstoppable.

Don't follow the money, follow your passion. Your future self will thank you for it.