The Paid Internship

Is there such a thing as a paid internship?

• Yes, there is, but you have to ask!
• "Do you offer a paid internship?"
• "I will have to take time off from work to come here. Can you pay me?"

What if they say there's no pay?

• Some organizations cannot pay interns a wage. Explore some more.
  
• "Can you give me a stipend or some other form of support?"
  
• "Can you assist with housing or transportation?"
  

What if they still say no?

• If it's the internship you yearn for, say OK.
• "Thanks for trying. I will come anyway and live on a budget."
  
• "I understand. I still want to work here, so I'm saying Yes."

Internships always require some form of sacrifice, either in time or lost wages, or both. You will have to decide up front whether you can afford to accept a completely volunteer internship or practicum.

Be open to possibilities... a far-away internship may actually be the one that offers the most support (such as travel expenses and housing), so don't assume that you must stay near your campus in order to economize.

Be open to a new vocabulary... you may be thinking "paid," while the internship may use terms like "stipend," and "grant."

Good luck!

The content on this blog is not offered as legal advice or guidance. Consult your college, advisor, or internship supervisor for help with issues surrounding internships. © 2008 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Dr. Bold is a co-author of the book Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields.