I'm not arguing that you don't learn at a paid position. I'm arguing that the focus for an internship shouldn't be the money. Ranking in terms of priority: 1)

I'm not arguing that you don't learn at a paid position. I'm arguing that the focus for an internship shouldn't be the money. Ranking in terms of priority: 1) Paid + Learning = Jackpot. 2) Learning Only, Unpaid = Not as great, but at least you're building skills that will increase your value out of school. 3) Paid Only, Less Learning = Worst option. When it comes to full time hiring, people won't care that your internship paid you 15-30/hr. They'll care about what you've learned, what quantifiable skills you bring to the table, and proof that you're a mover and shaker.