Many of the summer internships when you’re in college do not offer any sort of compensation. This is especially true if you’re an arts or humanities student. Adventurous, humanitarian summer internships usually require you to dig into your own pocket. If these are the kinds of internships that excite you, expect to dig deep.
Many students who have summer internships are paid little to nothing. Being able to work for an organization that inspires you can be a privilege. By experiencing an issue in a context out of the classroom you will gain a deeper understanding of it. NGOs are usually strapped for cash and manpower, so they’re grateful for your time. But, let me ask you: Is there really a difference between filing, data entry, and spread sheets from one organization to the other? If this is what you’re stuck doing all summer, then you might as well be doing the same thing but getting paid. Don’t be taken advantage of for your free labour. I know friends of friends who have been. They return from the experience poorer and feeling exploited by their adviser or host organization.
Internships can end up costing you a lot of money. First, there’s the opportunity cost of the time you could have spent making money. Next are the companies that exist to match you with an internship program that can cost thousands of dollars. These companies come to college campuses and hold presentations offering packages that are part internship but more parts vacation. Think three weeks in Fiji: One spent helping to build a local school, the last two spent on tropical adventures. You pay $4000 for the “privilege” of cleaning up someone else’s beach or some other volunteer activity, with the added bonus of a two week luxury vacation tour of the country. Sounds great, but if your interested in travelling there are cheaper ways to do it.
Paying a hefty sum for an internship isn’t a crime but you need to do the research. The most valuable advice for choosing an unpaid internship is to look at exactly what you will be doing. Yeah, the purpose of the organization is of course important but not as important as the specific project you will be working on. Find out beforehand what kind of tasks you will be asked to do. If the internship is through one of those internship/vacation companies consider whether the internship work is what you really want.
It’s your time and your experience. Remember, just as your host organization is doing you a favour by taking you on, you’re providing them with a free employee (and possibly a tax break). They owe you an opportunity for real work experience and to provide you with compelling projects.
Your university might have a database or office dedicated to matching you with internships. They might even be able to provide you with potential aid. There are a few options for getting extra cash to float you along this summer. Try local community organizations and different associations who work in areas related your internship. Your local, state, and federal government might also have bursaries for the kind of work you are trying to do.
High school and college years are one of the only times you have the chance to work for free. Worth more than money, is the valuable experience that might inspire towards a certain career. You just need to make sure you’re actually gaining something.
