5 answers
Hannah
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
1356 views
What can I do about an internship?
I am a college student who recently took on an unpaid internship. I am struggling as it isn't aligning with my goals and career path and during the interviewing and applying stages, they never mentioned fundraising which gives me a slight bad taste with how they completely left it out in everything up until the orientation.
I've been so stressed out with school and currently no job. I thought this internship would be worth the experience but the stress alone is causing me to have more migraines. I'm just not finding value in it besides the unpaid part, but more so it won't help me.
I can have a follow-up meeting with my supervisor and need advice on what I can do.
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4 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I am sorry you’re having that experience. I think the best option is to have a direct conversation with your supervisor. It is OK to reference the original job description for the internship and see what can be done to hopefully adjust your responsibilities.
On the other hand, sometimes we will be presented with tough situations and learning to grow and to push through them may serve you well. I know fundraising isn’t fun, but if they’re willing to train and support you and doing so, who knows if that skill will come in handy later in life.
If you are unable to change the situation, I’d encourage you to put your head down and do the best you can with it. You never know who in the organization is watching it may benefit you long-term.
On the other hand, sometimes we will be presented with tough situations and learning to grow and to push through them may serve you well. I know fundraising isn’t fun, but if they’re willing to train and support you and doing so, who knows if that skill will come in handy later in life.
If you are unable to change the situation, I’d encourage you to put your head down and do the best you can with it. You never know who in the organization is watching it may benefit you long-term.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. This advice really helps.
Hannah
Jace Jacobs
Assistant Front of House Manager
7
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Jace’s Answer
Hi Hannah, I'm so sorry to hear your internship isn't meeting your expectations! As others have said, it may be worth it to see if you can shadow other positions. Alternatively, you could speak to your supervisor and ask if you can help with fundraising behind the scenes, as opposed to being the person responsible for the actual fundraising. I would express your discomfort, especially considering this is impacting your health.
Again, considering the impacts this is having on your health and quality of life, there's no shame in walking away if you need to. Pursuing other opportunities, whether they're volunteer-based or a paid position, may prove to be more worthwhile for both your career goals and your health. Walking away from a position is never easy, but I wish you the best of luck with whatever path you choose!
Again, considering the impacts this is having on your health and quality of life, there's no shame in walking away if you need to. Pursuing other opportunities, whether they're volunteer-based or a paid position, may prove to be more worthwhile for both your career goals and your health. Walking away from a position is never easy, but I wish you the best of luck with whatever path you choose!
Julie Fears
Business Program Manager
2
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
I manage an intern program at a big company, and I recommend looking for companies with paid internships. Your field of study can guide you, and companies like Microsoft offer paid positions with benefits.
When applying and interviewing, make sure to ask if the internship is paid. This way, you can focus your efforts on opportunities that value your time and skills.
Stay confident and go for it! You can do this!
I manage an intern program at a big company, and I recommend looking for companies with paid internships. Your field of study can guide you, and companies like Microsoft offer paid positions with benefits.
When applying and interviewing, make sure to ask if the internship is paid. This way, you can focus your efforts on opportunities that value your time and skills.
Stay confident and go for it! You can do this!
Erika Schmitz
Executive Assistant
2
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Erika’s Answer
It's understandable to feel frustrated when the role doesn't match your expectations, especially when fundraising was not mentioned in the job description. I encourage you to talk openly with your advisor who can help you weigh your options and explore other opportunities.
When you meet with your advisor, you should share your concerns about career alignment and ask about projects that better align with your goals.
If the internship includes training or options to shadow others in different departments, I would explore those options. Working with a peer or mentor during the internship could make the fundraising component more fun, while providing valuable experiences even if the tasks aren't exactly as you expected.
When you're looking for the next opportunity, visit career fairs in other departments, you may find a business opportunity at the health career fair, where less business students are attending. Think a little differently to find something that's of real interest.
Balancing school, stress and work is tough, remember to take care of yourself through proper diet and rest. Seeking advice shows your being proactive about finding meaningful work that supports your career path.
When you meet with your advisor, you should share your concerns about career alignment and ask about projects that better align with your goals.
If the internship includes training or options to shadow others in different departments, I would explore those options. Working with a peer or mentor during the internship could make the fundraising component more fun, while providing valuable experiences even if the tasks aren't exactly as you expected.
When you're looking for the next opportunity, visit career fairs in other departments, you may find a business opportunity at the health career fair, where less business students are attending. Think a little differently to find something that's of real interest.
Balancing school, stress and work is tough, remember to take care of yourself through proper diet and rest. Seeking advice shows your being proactive about finding meaningful work that supports your career path.