4 ms·

Everything about this comment is great. Except the "volunteer to work for free" part which is absolutely horrible advice. Part of "walking in the door knowing

by tacos 11y ago

Everything about this comment is great. Except the "volunteer to work for free" part which is absolutely horrible advice. Part of "walking in the door knowing what you want... and owning it" includes understanding your worth to the company. A company must also recognize your worth UP FRONT. Unpaid internships vary from corrupt to demoralizing. At best they set the wrong tone. Don't fall into that trap.

nommm-nommm 11y ago
In addition, most unpaid internships are illegal in the United States (http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2013/04/19/6-legal-requirements-for-unpaid-internship-programs/#2310e79049ab http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2013/04/19/6-legal-requir...) Many companies, however, hire paid interns on a "try before you buy" basis. Always go for at least one paid internship while in college. Not only do you get to show off your chops to potential employers, it also looks great on your resume for other potential employers down the road.
chrisbennet 11y ago
Yes, when you are initially paid very little, your employer rarely re-evaluates your actual value. In other words if you were "cheap" to start with, you will be seen as worth less going forward. You're initial salary negotiation is the most important; after that you will be lucky to get small raises and never to market value. One the quirks of human nature that if you give the employer/customer/client a "deal" up front, when you switch to charging them market price, they feel ripped off.
- GFischer 11y ago
  Unfortunately, that is true. I've seen a case where, to go up the ladder at a certain company, the best way was to quit, then work somewhere else for a time, then apply for the position you wanted to get initially... (no need for having improved any skills, external hires are just evaluated differently)

4 ms·

Everything about this comment is great. Except the "volunteer to work for free" part which is absolutely horrible advice. Part of "walking in the door knowing

by tacos 11y ago

nommm-nommm 11y ago
In addition, most unpaid internships are illegal in the United States (http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2013/04/19/6-legal-requirements-for-unpaid-internship-programs/#2310e79049ab http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2013/04/19/6-legal-requir...) Many companies, however, hire paid interns on a "try before you buy" basis. Always go for at least one paid internship while in college. Not only do you get to show off your chops to potential employers, it also looks great on your resume for other potential employers down the road.
chrisbennet 11y ago
Yes, when you are initially paid very little, your employer rarely re-evaluates your actual value. In other words if you were "cheap" to start with, you will be seen as worth less going forward. You're initial salary negotiation is the most important; after that you will be lucky to get small raises and never to market value. One the quirks of human nature that if you give the employer/customer/client a "deal" up front, when you switch to charging them market price, they feel ripped off.
- GFischer 11y ago
  Unfortunately, that is true. I've seen a case where, to go up the ladder at a certain company, the best way was to quit, then work somewhere else for a time, then apply for the position you wanted to get initially... (no need for having improved any skills, external hires are just evaluated differently)