Find the right internship and say no to being exploited as unpaid labor

There are many factors involved with choosing the right internship for you including your degree, chosen career path, the availability of mentors and so much more. Here are some ideas on what to include on your internship wish list:

Your host company

Do you want to work for a big company or perhaps a small company or start-up? Do you care if you are an anonymous “Intern X” – or would you prefer to develop relationships with every person in your office? Figure out what your internship host company should be like, in a fair amount of detail, and put your wishes on the list.

Paid vs. unpaid?

Are you willing to accept – and can you afford – an unpaid internship? Is course credit enough for you? If yes, what funds will pay for those credits? Do you need to earn money to pay living expenses or transportation costs? These are tough questions, but in this economy they are some of the most important… for everyone.

UK vs. US?

In the UK, you are entitled by law to be paid for your internship if you have a contract of employment. Without one, students take a risk with their legal rights to fair treatment. Employers take the risk they won’t be sued either by a student (for pay), a customer (for something done by the student in the name of the employer) or prosecuted by the tax man (for breaking the law).

In the US, there are no national “laws” regarding unpaid internships. However, organizations are supposed to follow the guidelines established in what has become known as the “6 Prong Test” from the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA).

The reality is, however, that there are no direct consequences for employers who fail to comply with this “Test” (again, these are guidelines, not law)

So, what is an intern to do?

Make the right choice for you. The downside of paid internships is that they are sometimes terrible educational experiences; they lack mentorship, direction and career value. On the other hand, many former interns feel their unpaid internships were the difference maker to their careers… and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

The real key, no matter where you live and work: never let yourself be exploited as unpaid labor.

Your time is valuable; so is a good employer’s. As you look at every opportunity to intern, ensure the relationship is beneficial for all sides – and expectations are properly set and maintained.

Career-focused or career diversity?

Do you want to work for a company 100% dedicated to your chosen career field? Or are you okay working for an industry-related department of a company? For example, if you are an engineer… do you want to work for an engineering company, or would you instead consider working for the Engineering Department of say, Disney? You might also consider an internship in a widely-used and wildly-popular industry like healthcare or social/digital media?

Perhaps most important: being open to working at different types of companies might provide more internship opportunities from which to choose.

Mentor or supervisor?

Do you want a mentor – someone who actively promotes your learning process during the internship? Or do you instead prefer a supervisor who lets you learn on your own… and also provides a little direction when it may be needed?

Some companies take pride in offering mentors for their interns. At many companies, a supervisor is also the mentor. He or she answers the intern’s questions, gives them guidance and offers suggestions to help advance their learning – while also expecting the intern to self-learn through experience and even mistakes.

Think about what type of guidance you want, and need.

What culture is best for you?

Do you like structure, rules and rigidity typically associated with larger companies, well established non-profits and the government? Or do you prefer a more laid back, relaxed, go-with-the-flow environment often found in smaller businesses, start-ups and grass-roots non-profits?

Deciding which culture fits your personality best is important so you may thrive during your internship. Not sure what fits you best? Try one of each!

How far will you travel?

Are you okay with commuting? If yes, how far are you willing to travel… 15 minutes each way… or maybe an hour or more every day?

A longer commute tolerance may open a wider range of opportunities. At the same time, sitting in traffic or on a train is a financial drain, as well as a quality of life consideration. Think honestly about how you feel about your potential commute – because what might sound tolerable during the interview can become a major stress point during the internship.