Seeking Thoughts on Post Grad Internships

Parents Forum
1

<p>Wondering if others have any words of wisdom on the possibility of a non-paying summer internship in a non-profit for a recent college grad, who in this case will be attending graduate school full time in the fall. The internship offers no pay, but substantial experience in the desired field. It is also a large organization, with many connections possible. Our student has had 4 other relevant internships, as well as several related jobs as an undergrad. Complicating the mix is the fact that the internship is not in the same city as the grad school, so it will mean 2 moves, finding P/T paid work in 2 cities and deciding that the expenses involved are offset by the opportunity. </p>

<p>As a parent, I find myself both happy for the student's access to a potentially meaningful opportunity and slightly disgruntled that there is not even a token stipend being offered to this capable grad off to an Ivy in the fall. While we obviously have to crank some numbers, I hope to hear from others who have had similar possibilities to consider. Not until there was the degree in hand (almost) did I find myself feeling a bit jaded on the concept of non-paying internships, especially when the intern brings well-documented skills to the position. We do recognize that this is the world of non-profits and that each experience may refine the career focus and enhance the likelihood of employment.
Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>A lot of young people pretty much waste all or part of the summer after college, waiting for jobs or graduate programs to start.</p>

<p>At least with this internship, something constructive will be happening during the summer.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, Marian. You make a good point, reminding me how miserable this student would be without a solid plan for something worthwhile.</p>

4

<p>Why not just apply for a paying job at a similar non profit in the city where the grad school is? Unless it’s something truly “one of a kind” (research assistant at Brookings; policy role at the IMF) why can’t the student achieve both objectives i.e. cash plus experience.</p>

<p>Non-profits don’t offer unpaid internships because they like exploiting people; they do it because there seems to be an unlimited supply of young people happy to take those jobs.</p>

5

<p>What’s the desired field?</p>