"Job" Opportunity

Joshua312

New member
Hey guys,



Kinda off-topic question here but I need some advice. I have been in an IT Internship for the past year, I absolutely love it. When I began it was discussed there was no set end date like some internships had...and their would be a potential for a hire in opportunity when I graduate.



The only bad thing is in the school months my hours go down to 15 hours to focus more on school. But I love working in IT so much I want to keep learning, keep gaining experience so when I do graduate I won't just have a degree listed but also real-world experience in different environments.



I like to keep my eye on what is happening around my area in the IT field and recently there was an unpaid internship listing for a local developmental services center for children in the community who have disabilities or who are not achieving developmental milestones.



I think the position is a great opportunity to help others and build experience at the same time, as this position will allow me to work independently serving the facility. Would you guys take the position if you were in my shoes or are unpaid internships something to stay away from for fear of being taken advantage of?



If I do accept the position I will keep my current internship as well because the hours at the developmental services facility are flexible to my schedule and when I can come in. Sorry for the long read, appreciate any thoughts.
 
It's great to help those in need, but you're doing IT work for a group that helps out those in need. IMO, I don't see enough of a direct link to donate your time to it. If you are getting experience and enjoyment from your current internship, I would rely on it to provide you with the sense of achievement and growth that you're probably looking for.



I always feel that time is valuable, so if I'm going out of my way to do something for someone else to benefit off of, I better be getting compensated. There are lots of people in this world that appear nice and willing to give you opportunities, but they more often than not will take advantage of you and throw you out when they don't need you anymore.



I guess I sound bitter, but it does happen, and when it does you really end up re-prioritizing your generosity and willingness to do things for others.
 
If the hours are flexible, then I would go for it if IT is the field that you are interested in. Any extra experience is always a bonus and further down the road, it would show initiative on your part. Once I get settled into my college routine, I am planning on finding ways to get involved in the field I am wanting to enter.
 
i know at least in my field some of the unpaid internships are the best thing you can do for your career. It really all depends on whether you have the time and the desire to do it. If worse comes to worse you try it out and decide you dont like it or are not learning enough and move on. As one of my smartest professors said "you will ALWAYS find someone who will let you work for free"
 
Thanks for the input so far guys, looks like I still have a lot of thinking to do...I guess visiting the facility and meeting the other employees will be a big deciding factor as well. If I didn't have a car payment I wouldn't even think twice and take the position..but like you guys said I can't take the position if I decide I need money more at this time.
 
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