The Pros and Cons on Internships from the Employer Perspective
If you search craigslist for even just a few minutes, you will likely stumble upon any number of internships. While some might be paid, the majority are unpaid offering experience or school credit. There are definitely ups and downs to taking an internship.
As one of the people who handles hiring and recruiting for my company, I understand
Internships can be a good way to gain valuable experience and contacts.
the benefits and issues with interns. In L.A., interns are a dime a dozen, so if you aren’t currently employed, take on multiple internships or a paying gig and an internship. If you are an unpaid intern seeking a paying position at a company, do not tell the potential employers that you are currently unpaid and living off funds from the bank of mom and dad. Even if it is the case, it does not make you appear as a hard working individual. Most people who have made it to any height of position in business had to struggle to get there. Thus, it seems like an easy ride on the mom and dad ticket. Internships are great for experience, but riding on unpaid internships with parents footing the bill, isn’t going to impressive anyone. The skills that you acquire and the hardworking, go-getter ethic is what will win you jobs.
Here STC will give you the skinny on the good and bad side of these unpaid gigs.
The Good:
1. Taking an internship can give you skills that will be valuable later in your chosen field. It also can be a helpful resume builder if you don’t have alot of experience in your field. Be a sponge in these situations, as internships are usually for a fairly short period of time.
2. Employers will sometimes hire or promote an intern to a paying position in the company if they produce solid work and are a good fit. This is the best case scenario from an internship, so aim to be an impressive intern. Just because it isn’t paid, does not meant it doesn’t matter.
3. Taking on an internship with a respected company can help you make valuable contacts in the field. Even if the company you are interning at doesn’t hire you, you might make contacts for someone who will.
The Bad:
1. It can be difficult to find a job after an internship if the company you were at does not hire you. Potential employers may look down on internships as not “real” experience. Thus, making a more pressure-filled situation to get hired by the original company you worked for. It may take multiple internships to impressive prospective employers.
2. Since you are essentially free help, some employers might take advantage of the situation. Be cautious who you accept an internship with before making any kind of commitment. Research the company, and if you can, talk to past interns about their experience.
3. If you are still in school, you must have the discipline to maintain classes, internships and any paying jobs you may have. It’s a definitely a tough work load and balance. – STC Editor, Lori Bartlett
