If the thought of working for free might seem like a waste of your time, let me prove you wrong.
Taking an unpaid internship can actually bring you to another level, open new doors, build strong networks and provide you with the tools to achieve success and trust faster and easier.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs knew that. They took low or unpaid jobs for a certain amount of time in their dream field just to understand what they were getting themselves into and gain precious knowledge before venturing on their own business.
We can either look at the glass half empty or half full, and I guarantee you that the benefits will exceed the downsides in many aspects.
1. Reassurance.
Many times, when we’re young, we chose a course or a university degree in an area in which we think we’ll love to work. But once we finish the degree and start working in that field we felt so passionate about, we realize the reality is much different than what we dreamed of.
A lot of people develop a strong sense of guilt and shame, feeling they’ve spend so much time and money investing in a degree they actually don’t love anymore. These feelings push people to get stuck in unfulfilling jobs they’re not passionate about, that don’t bring them joy and personal growth. Many of these people develop depression, anxiety and other disorders.
Taking an unpaid internship in the area you believe you’d like to work on, prior to starting college, can be a wonderful way to find out if that’s really right for you. If you are going for a very specialized field you might not have a direct position on what you dream of, but you can surround yourself by the people who work in the field and understand it from the inside. From there, you can realistically see whether or not it’s right for you, and avoid spending time and money on a career you’re not so sure about.
2. Work/study benefits.
If you’re studying in an area which requires strong character and communication skills, and your course is not offering you that dynamic, having one or two days a week of unpaid practical internship alongside your university courses can bring you great rewards.
Not only will you have all the theory and academic parts covered by your college, but you’ll be building and gaining valuable insight and practical knowledge by already having work-related hours in your field. Nowadays, most academic courses lack that practical approach, so combining both things will adequately prepare you for the future.
3. Become confident.
I know this from experience: when you’ve just finished your courses and have had no practical experience in your field yet, being send out in the world can be overwhelming and terrifying, especially if you’re an entrepreneur.
If you take an unpaid position for a few months in a company, you’ll build your confidence and gain valuable experience. Many successful entrepreneurs have actually done that before starting their own business. They took either a low paid or free internship in their dream fields to understand and learn all about that business, how to deal with clients, payrolls, expectations, marketing strategies, the dos and don’ts of their business area.
4. Build powerful relationships.
The world of business is all about building relationships and powerful connections. You’ll have greater chances to get a great job or a higher position depending on who you know and who you associate yourself with.
Your work might have been so good and maybe you brought such powerful ideas and insights during your internship that they might want to keep you and offer you a job. After all, you’ll have advantage over everyone else. They know you, they trust you, and you’ve proven you can get the job done with perfect results.
Building a solid network within your field is crucial. Doors might open easier and faster because you’re already very familiar with the people and the work that needs to be done.
5. Build a strong curriculum.
The fact you took the time and energy to take an unpaid internship shows your level of commitment, perseverance and interest in becoming better and knowing more about your work field. Employers like that. They like people who actively find creative ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They’ll know you’re someone who wants to develop your capacities.
Having a practical component covered and proving you already have hands-on experience will always put you ahead of everyone else who only had a basic academic training.
If you did an internship at an important company, you’ll benefit from being associated with their brand or name. That will give you credibility and trust.
Having a strong resume with relevant work experience is vital, and it’s what oftentimes will set you apart from all other candidates applying for a job.
