By Jeremy Newcombe
Internships are a (sometimes unfortunate) prerequisite to breaking into many established fields in today’s job market. They can be tough; hard work, unappreciative bosses, and no money. Internships can be very useful though, if you use them properly and aren’t afraid to stand up for yourself in certain circumstances.
The first thing to remember is that internships are meant to be mutually beneficial. That is, actually benefiting you and your employer. Too often you hear stories about interns being sent to get coffee or pick up the dry-cleaning, and this, frankly, should never be the case. Interns are not free labour. Even if you’re not getting paid in dollars you should be getting compensated for your time. You need experience, training, contacts, and support from your employers, and you shouldn’t settle for less. This has even become a legal issue in the United States, and hopefully the situation is improving, but that is a worst-case scenario. If you feel like you’re not doing enough relevant work, say so, and most employers will be receptive. Be respectful but firm in insisting you should be getting relevant experience in lieu of payment. You deserve it.
The second thing to keep in mind is that old adage “you get out what you put in.” In my own experience, I learned a great deal during my internship because I showed genuine interest in things that were going on, even in other departments. As a result I became friendly with people working in many fields and gained real, valuable experience and knowledge because of this. Now, that’s not to say you need to be obsessively keen—that’s no fun for anyone—but a healthy interest in what’s around you and a good work ethic really can make the difference.
Lastly, know your limits and stick to them. Don’t stretch yourself too thin if you know you can’t afford a full time position that doesn’t pay well. Find a sponsored internship though your school or government (they exist, and in higher frequency than you might think) or find a part-time position that you can supplement with something else a few shifts a week. Realize that you’re not working for the money and don’t consent to working extremely long hours or in stressful conditions if you don’t think it’s worth your time. Treat yourself with respect, and ask that your employer do so as well.
Stick to your principals and enter into an internship with an eager attitude and an open mind. If you do that they can be very useful (and certainly enjoyable) for both you and the people you work for.
Jeremy lives in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia with his wife and dog. He spends a lot of time reading, writing, and riding his bicycle, though usually not at the same time. His most recent passion is training his pup in agility, and while she may not be a champion (yet) they have a lot of fun together.
