amy :: lynn

A student’s perspective on PR, a new career, and the lessons learned along the way.

Internships: Free labor or priceless experience?

January 25th, 2008 · No Comments
internships · professional development

Here at Grand Valley State University, the advertising and public relations major requires students to pay for 3+ credits to take an internship. Is it unfair to have to pay GVSU to work for someone else - especially when the chances of finding a paying internship is slim to none?

Many think it is unfair - but if students get lucky with a really nice internship, I think they’ll change their minds. With Michigan’s suffering economy, it’s hard to find an internship. (Insert violin playing here) Sorry - you’ll just have to suck it up while you’re in college so that you have the best chance you can after graduation.

So I might sound a little unsympathetic, but I’m not. Right now, I am a victim of free labor, but I know I’m in the for the experience of a lifetime. It’s truly priceless to have a mentor (a.k.a. boss) who doesn’t make you copy papers. When you find the right internship, paid or unpaid, you will know that you’re gaining priceless experience.



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