In today’s competitive job market, internships have become a stepping stone to full-time roles. But when it comes to unpaid internships, opinions are divided.
The Upside:
Gain practical skills & real world exposure.
Build networks and industry contacts.
Add experience to your CV when starting out.
The Downside:
No financial support tough for students from modest backgrounds.
Time & effort may not always translate into a job offer.
Sometimes used by companies as free labor rather than genuine learning.
Worth it or not?
It often depends on:
The quality of mentorship & skills gained.
Whether it opens doors to future opportunities.
Your personal financial situation and career stage.
An unpaid internship may be worth it only if it truly invests in your growth, not just in the company’s work.
What do you think are unpaid internships a valuable learning experience, or should all internships be fairly paid?
This is a very valuable post. To answer this question i think weather the internships are paid or unpaid both provides skills, helps in building networks and improve our portfolio. coming to payment section i think every learning has a value so mostly internships are done by students who generally have no source of income and that is the real reason why paid internships are mostly preferred by students. It could also be minimal amount, but paid internships matter more than unpaid ones.
It’s important to balance it out. An unpaid internship with valuable mentorship can teach many skills and build network. But it also creates a barrier for those who cannot work for free, they end up getting diverted to companies who pay. For some internships, stipend system can be used so that more people can start with their career early on with good mentorship.
For me, I would say 110% worth it. I switched my entire career based on an internship alone. I started as a pro bono writer and now, I’m working full-time with the same company as a managing editor. And that company is none other than MedBound Times! Viola!
Now, regarding your question: Is it worth it? I would say, never join a program solely to get a job at the same company afterward. There are too many factors to consider—your skills, how adaptable you are, and the availability of vacancies. Instead, focus on what the internship offers. Is it teaching you something you don’t know? Are you gaining skills that you’re interested in or need to learn to upskill your career? Be clear about what they will provide and what you want to learn.
Though I initially joined the internship to get a certificate—something to boast about—I never knew it would turn into a career. I can’t predict the future, but regardless of what happens, always keep honing your skills.
Note: Never join an internship just to get a certificate—it can be one of your goals, but not the sole purpose. Be serious about your internship, because if you don’t make the most of the opportunity, you’ll end up doing other pro bono programs due to a lack of skills, and I don’t think that’s what you want.
This is a very informative post. In my opinion, unpaid internships can be worthwhile, especially given the intense competition in the job market. Many fresh graduates struggle to find jobs, and I know this from my own experience, as I’ve faced challenges without proper guidance. However, securing an unpaid internship can provide valuable networking opportunities, practical experience, industry exposure, and knowledge, all of which are beneficial for future career prospects.
I think internships should ideally be paid because every effort deserves value. But at the same time, unpaid internships can sometimes give good exposure and learning, especially at the start. In my view, learning is important, but fair pay motivates and respects the intern’s contribution.
Internships should ideally be paid, because pay ensures fairness and accessibility. If unpaid, they must be carefully structured to deliver genuine learning — not free labor.
The Upside:
Gain practical skills & real world exposure.
Build networks and industry contacts.
Add experience to your CV when starting out.
The Downside:
No financial support tough for students from modest backgrounds.
Time & effort may not always translate into a job offer.
Sometimes used by companies as free labor rather than genuine learning.
Worth it or not?
An unpaid internship may be worth it only if it truly invests in your growth, not just in the company’s work.
What do you think are unpaid internships a valuable learning experience, or should all internships be fairly paid?