Unpaid internships still a viable option for some
Despite spending most of his time folding towels for no pay, Northville freshman Aaron Kowalczyk said his internship at Hyatt Place Hotels was worth it.
After interning with the hotel company for five months when he was 18 years old, he now has a paid position there.
“I don’t think I would’ve even applied for the job without having the internship. I got to know the people well and the bosses liked me a lot," Kowalczyk said. "They liked my work ethic."
Grand Blanc sophomore Alexis Jones also found opportunities from an unpaid internship she had with fashion website College Fashionista when she was 18 years old. That internship helped her earn another with entertainment blog College LifeStyles, working up to a job at The Buckle clothing store.
Though unpaid internships provide students with work experience, they can be a burden. Both students needed additional sources of income.
Kowalczyk caddied on weekends during his internship, and Jones worked at the front desk in Sweeney Hall during one of hers.
Howell junior Tim Hepler’s internship is on campus at Central Michigan University. He also works a paid job when he's in his hometown, and said he benefits from not having to travel for his internship.
“I wouldn’t move for an unpaid internship because the only reason I’m able to pull the one I have off right now is because it’s on campus,” Hepler said.
Hepler said many unpaid internships help students get work experience, while paid internships tend to require more prior knowledge and skills.
When Jones applied for her first internship, she was looking to gain writing skills to compliment her apparel merchandising major. She hoped to build her portfolio and stand out in the competitive internship applicant pool as an upperclassman.
“I don’t really see anything bad about applying for internships because the worst thing they can do is say no,” Jones said.
To earn both of her internships, Jones sent writing samples to the employers as a part of the application process.
“I had to get a certain amount of likes on my first article,” Jones said. “I started calling and texting all of my friends and I actually got 129 likes on it and made a really good impression.”
Because of her unpaid internships, Jones also found references in the fashion industry.
Jones has reached out to boutiques in her hometown, letting them know she is interested in doing an internship if any positions open up.
Kowalczyk also recommends students reach out and ask about internships, even if there isn’t an official job posting.
“(My internship) gave me experience for an actual job and it did help me mature more because I’m the youngest there,” Kowalczyk said.
Jones agrees internships help students with personal growth and both students recommends young students try to get one.
“You’re taking the initiative to go out and explore new opportunities and you learn what you like and what you dislike,” she said.
While some internships can truly provide students with great experience, others are not always so glamorous.
“If you ever think you’re in a bad spot at your internship, I sat in the back room and folded towels every week,” Kowalczyk said. “But it gets better.”
