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Is it worth doing unpaid internships, or should I avoid them? #Spring26
I know internships are useful in career progression, but I am not sure if they are worth if they are unpaid.
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Dima’s Answer
It depends, but don't dismiss unpaid internships right away, and don't accept them without thinking either.
If an unpaid internship offers real experience, like projects, recommendations, or connections, it can be valuable, especially when you're just starting and your resume is light. Consider it a short-term investment for better, paid jobs later.
The important thing is that a good unpaid internship should teach you, involve you in meaningful work, and help you grow. A bad one just has you doing repetitive tasks without learning or guidance, and that's usually not worth it.
Be honest about your situation. If you can afford to work without pay and the experience is solid, it might be a good move. But if you need money or the role seems unclear, unfair, or not aligned with your goals, it's better to keep looking.
If I were you, I'd only take an unpaid internship if I could confidently say, "Will this help me get a better paid job soon?" If the answer isn't a clear yes, I'd pass on it.
If an unpaid internship offers real experience, like projects, recommendations, or connections, it can be valuable, especially when you're just starting and your resume is light. Consider it a short-term investment for better, paid jobs later.
The important thing is that a good unpaid internship should teach you, involve you in meaningful work, and help you grow. A bad one just has you doing repetitive tasks without learning or guidance, and that's usually not worth it.
Be honest about your situation. If you can afford to work without pay and the experience is solid, it might be a good move. But if you need money or the role seems unclear, unfair, or not aligned with your goals, it's better to keep looking.
If I were you, I'd only take an unpaid internship if I could confidently say, "Will this help me get a better paid job soon?" If the answer isn't a clear yes, I'd pass on it.
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Josep Antonio ’s Answer
If the internship offers you real world experience into an engineering job, that experience will be valuable in the future to help you get your first paid job. Any experience is better than no experience when you are starting out. Consider the company too, if the company really interests you then go for it! If the company does not really interest you, or you have second thoughts, explore your options and see what other companies offer internships. At the end of the day, depends on what companies will actually give you the opportunity to work for them, be appreciative and take the offer with the company that you care the most about.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Yes, internships are generally worth it because they provide real experience through hands-on learning, guidance, and exposure to professional work environments, making them a strong foundation for your first job. They also help you build a network that can lead to future opportunities. Your main concern should be how closely the internship aligns with your field of study and long-term career goals rather than the pay, because strong alignment is what ultimately makes the experience valuable. Through a well-matched internship, you can turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills and real-world application. Even if unpaid, it can show employers that you are motivated, proactive, and ready for the workplace, while strengthening your profile for future roles.
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Sreedevi’s Answer
Internships are a great way to learn new skills and improve the ones you have. They also let you meet different people, learn about their experiences, and help you plan your own career path.
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Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Alejandro,
Unpaid internships can be worth it if they provide real learning, meaningful projects, or strong mentorship.
Early in your career, gaining practical experience and building a portfolio can sometimes be more valuable than short term pay.
That said, if the role mostly involves routine tasks with little learning, it may not be worth your time. Ideally you look for internships where you can develop skills, contribute to real work, and add something meaningful to your resume.
Unpaid internships can be worth it if they provide real learning, meaningful projects, or strong mentorship.
Early in your career, gaining practical experience and building a portfolio can sometimes be more valuable than short term pay.
That said, if the role mostly involves routine tasks with little learning, it may not be worth your time. Ideally you look for internships where you can develop skills, contribute to real work, and add something meaningful to your resume.
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Simmy’s Answer
Unpaid internships often spark debate, but they shouldn’t be dismissed outright or accepted without careful thought. If the role offers genuine learning, mentorship, and valuable industry connections, it can be a smart investment for your future—especially as you build your resume. The most important thing is to ensure the internship provides real growth and meaningful work; if it’s just repetitive tasks with no support, it’s usually not worth your time. If you can afford it and the experience is solid, it might be worthwhile, but if the role seems unclear or unfair, keep searching. Personally, I’d only accept an unpaid internship if it clearly improves my chances of landing a better paid job soon.
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Andrew’s Answer
Internships are a great opportunity to gain professional experience in the real world. Hence, it should be considered as a steppingstone for your future career endeavor. That said, even if you do not get paid, it is still worthwhile. Alternatively, we can say that an organization is willing to train you without asking you to pay tuition. It is a win-win situation for both parties.
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William’s Answer
Hi Alejandro,
Opportunities for internships, mentorships & apprenticeships are truly invaluable. Practical work affords us an opportunity to learn through experience. Discoveries & innovations are an integral part of this process.
Whether this is voluntary or otherwise takes nothing away from the value of experiential learning. Obviously, a paid internship is preferable.
Opportunities for internships, mentorships & apprenticeships are truly invaluable. Practical work affords us an opportunity to learn through experience. Discoveries & innovations are an integral part of this process.
Whether this is voluntary or otherwise takes nothing away from the value of experiential learning. Obviously, a paid internship is preferable.
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MaryAnn’s Answer
Alejandro hello.
If your chosen field has internship positions available, I highly suggest you do an internship.
The common question people have is, how can I gain experience if I've never had a job? Internships are the way to do that.
Also, in certain fields, such as entertainment, television, recording, studios, people who don't have internships have a harder time getting jobs. It's simply how the business works.
Internships will also pay you a small stipend usually so it's not all volunteer.
You might want to call up some companies you might be working for in the future and ask them if they have internships and what do they entail.
You can find out these answers by calling these places.
Good luck to you.
Mary Ann
If your chosen field has internship positions available, I highly suggest you do an internship.
The common question people have is, how can I gain experience if I've never had a job? Internships are the way to do that.
Also, in certain fields, such as entertainment, television, recording, studios, people who don't have internships have a harder time getting jobs. It's simply how the business works.
Internships will also pay you a small stipend usually so it's not all volunteer.
You might want to call up some companies you might be working for in the future and ask them if they have internships and what do they entail.
You can find out these answers by calling these places.
Good luck to you.
Mary Ann
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Zakari’s Answer
Hi Alejandro,
I think unpaid internships are worth it because it gives you an opportunity to gain hands on experience. That is something all jobs are looking for, you can have the degree but if you don’t have the experience it’s harder to get a job without the experience.
I think unpaid internships are worth it because it gives you an opportunity to gain hands on experience. That is something all jobs are looking for, you can have the degree but if you don’t have the experience it’s harder to get a job without the experience.