Michaela Walters has interned at several leading media organisations
Are unpaid internships acceptable? Graduate and intern Michaela Walters picks apart the pros and cons…
If interning is the battle that everyone starting out in the industry faces, unpaid interning is the war.
There’s no right answer as to whether you should or shouldn’t work for nothing – everyone’s position is different. Some simply can’t afford to and it’s for that reason that I don’t believe unpaid internships are right.
Everyone deserves an equal chance and no one should miss out on an opportunity because they can’t afford it.
But unfortunately, sometimes in wars sacrifices need to be made – and although ultimately I don’t believe unpaid internships are right, I’ve often found myself leaving my morals at home and heading in to the trenches.
The truth is, it seems almost impossible to make a start in this industry without one. Getting a good internship can be as competitive as getting an actual job.
If you’ve just graduated and feel you have a lot to learn, a few months’ experience (even if it is unpaid) is a good thing.
What’s important though is making the distinction between when an unpaid internship is worthwhile and when it isn’t.
As someone who’s been on the front line (and in danger of developing a severe case of trench foot), here’s where I suggest drawing the line:
If you’re not doing enough
Grabbing your boss’s morning coffee is fine – but if your day consists of making coffee, running across town to pick up some dry cleaning and photocopying for the rest of the afternoon, you’re in no man’s land – and that’s never a good idea.
If you’re there just so you can put ‘X’ on your CV, that’s not good enough either. You need to be sure that when you leave your internship you’re better prepared for the working world than you were beforehand. Intern to learn!
If you’re doing too much
The alternative is to be in an internship where you are learning loads, working with great people and finally getting so confident in your ability that before you know it, you’re working a full time, self-dependant job (and being bloody good at it) for little or no money.
The situation might be reversed but the outcome is the same – if you aren’t learning, you aren’t benefiting. Intern to learn!
Make sure your employer is happy to teach you
Of all the frustrating situations possible to find yourself in whilst interning, for me, the most frustrating one by far is at the application stage.
You know, when you see the job description that reads ‘we are looking for an experienced intern…’ As far as I’m concerned, the very definition of ‘intern’ is to be inexperienced.
Employee seekers – if you’re looking for someone experienced, you should be hiring for a full time, fully paid, job! I’ll say it again – intern to learn.
I hope that if you’re a year behind me in your journalism journey, I’ve been able to shed some light on what’s worth considering whilst making internship decisions.
For me the line has been drawn, but I spent over four months altogether in unpaid internships, all of which I really enjoyed and feel I benefited from – so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Draw a line that suits you and make sure you stay on the right side of it, if you do, the war is won.
What do you think about unpaid internships? Are they exploitation, or a necessary first step on the career ladder? Join the debate with us on Twitter @Journograds. You can read more from Michaela here
The Guardian US – Comment Internship
Location: New York
Closing date: June 30th
Guardian US is seeking an intern to work on the Guardian’s much talked-about Comment is free US site, as the third member of a small team.
This is your chance to help shape national and international opinion on current events.
You will work with some big-name columnists, as well as helping commission and edit op-eds from fresh voices.
You’ll also have the opportunity to try your own hand at commentary writing.
We’re looking for people who love to follow the news – and talk about it, tweet about it, debate it.
You will be an integral part of the Comment is free desk and expected to contribute ideas daily.
You will also play a part in the Guardian’s innovative approach to community discussions with our polls, open threads, smart takes and other mechanisms to get readers engaged.
Some prior editing experience is a must, with a premium on accuracy, a good feeling for language, attention to detail, and speed (in that order): the heart of what we do is publishing sharp, timely, well-edited opinion journalism with search-competitive and catchy headlines.
Skills with web-publishing tools is desirable; multimedia storytelling would also be a plus, as well as photo-editing expertise and social media skills.
Above all, though, we want someone who’s enthusiastic and opinionated about what’s happening in the news.
About our internship program
We are seeking an Intern for Fall (September) for a 16-week internship.
The internship pays a $100/day stipend and typically runs Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.
We are only able to consider candidates who are legally eligible to work in the United States.
We see our program as an opportunity to invest in our community so we primarily consider local students and schools.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter stating your interest in working with a specific team (below), your resume and a couple of writing samples.
Only candidates that are able to commit to the 16-week term should apply.
APPLY NOW
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Posted by Journograds Editor on April 17, 2013
http://journograds.com/2013/04/17/the-guardian-us-comment-internship/