Anxiety over job opportunity

[NeevL]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask for some advice from someone who might have some experience with this or have been in a similar situation.

Over the past few months, I have rigorously applied for internships to a variety of different companies/businesses in the hope of gaining some experience during my university degree. I'm graduating in a years time and ever since COVID hit, this has brought me a great deal of anxiety. I was so scared of graduating without any practical experience, especially in a time with low employment prospects.

I recently did an interview for an unpaid internship which was advertised as 3 months in duration. The job advert requested someone that could commit to around 25 hours a week. This unpaid internship is not part of my degree, just something I wanted to do on the side for experience.

Today the man called me and offered me the position, however expressed that he is changing the role to 6 months unpaid. I financially can not afford this and the fact that I will have to commit over 600 hours unpaid is making me extremely stressed and sick. I know I will regret turning down the opportunity, especially if I don't get an offer from anywhere else. My parents have told me to express this to the recruiter, but I'm scared he will replace me. I'm considering telling him later on down the track, but I don't wan't want to disappoint or inconvenience anyone, let alone jeopardise using this experience for my resume when I finish.

Any advice?

Thanks

[uncut_gems]

Hi NeevL,

Welcome to the forums! So glad you thought to come here for some advice. Here's my two cents:

I think unpaid internships of any kind ought to be illegal. I think they are fundamentally unethical, as all labor deserves to be fairly compensated. This is to say nothing of the outrageous change made to the job description. What this business is basically asking for is copious amounts of your free labor because they know that in the current job market, they can "pay" you in "experience."

It's no wonder that it's made you sick with worry, the thought of doing so much work for free on top of being a student already! I think your parents' advice to be frank with the recruiter is sound, framing it as an opportunity you're excited about but one that, as you say, you just can't afford to commit to. I know firsthand that being young and in need of a job/money can be a huge motivator, but if possible try to avoid working at places that so plainly don't value your time.

You won't be inconveniencing anyone because it is these employers that stand to benefit from your hard work and the expertise you've been working to acquire at uni. Just remember that your time and effort are valuable, and your first real job (internship included should reflect that! Perhaps there's a way to commit to just the initial placement?

Warmly,
Gems

[Emmen]

Hello NeevL,

Welcome to the forums.

I echo everything Gems has said. It seems to me that this employer is simply trying to exploit you. I understand your fears about not having any work experience before graduating, but my take would be that it's better to not have this job than to let yourself be exploited like this. My concern would be that if they could so easily change 3 months to 6 months without having any care for the financial implications on their intern, they could potentially be employers who exploit your labour in other ways (e.g. long working hours, bad working environment etc.). I say this as someone who has worked in an exploitative workplace before - the one thing it has taught me is to always be cautious when taking up a job.

I agree with your parents. Please let the recruiter know of your concerns. If they change it back to 3 months, then go ahead and take the job. If they replace you, don't dwell on it because you may have just dodged a bullet.

Warmly,
M

[lonelyglassesgirl]

I agree with uncut_gems that this does sound exploitative. Unpaid internships are quite problematic in themselves, as it's difficult to do them unless your family has the money to support you -- especially when they are 25 hours a week! That is a lot to do even for three months (over 300 hours in total, or $6000 worth of work at minimum wage), and six months definitely seems outrageous. I feel like the company could be exploiting your (and everyone's) anxiety about the job market at this time.

[NeevL]

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for the advice, it really helped.

I ended up calling the man asking for more clarification about the hours. He labelled me as hostile and expressed he was disappointed that I was acting in such a way. I expressed that this wasn't my intention and just wanted to assess the financial feasibility of working that much for that long. After feeling really guilty and horrible about the call, I'm starting to feel a bit better.

[lonelyglassesgirl]

That does sound like a pretty unpleasant workplace situation NeevL. I'm so sorry that you even went through the experience of that phone call; it sounds really stressful.

Have you considered making an appointment with your university's careers office to find out what other internship opportunities are available? I have found my uni's careers office really helpful, particularly the one-on-one sessions where they look at your CV and/or cover letter and give you tips.

[uncut_gems]

Hi NeevL,

Sorry to hear that it fell through and that you had that nasty interaction, but as Emmen said it sounds to me like you dodged a bullet. Good on you for taking a stand for your own dignity and what you know is feasible for you financially! Not everyone has the courage to do that.

Lonelyglassesgirl, I think seeing what career resources NeevL's uni has is a great idea. Hopefully there is someone there who is a bit savvy about this kind of thing and can help you get set up with a nice gig with the pay you deserve.

How are you feeling?

Warmly,

Gems

[Emmen]

Hello NeevL,

I'm so glad you called.

I'm appalled that he labelled you hostile just for seeking clarification - if anything, that should tell you that he was in fact doing something unethical and was probably hoping you'd just quietly go along! Don't feel horrible and guilty about that call. Good on you for taking a stand and protecting yourself!

Warmly,
M

[Sweesoft]

Hi there,

Amen to that. You did the right thing and there's nothing to be guilty about. If you feel uncomfortable doing it in the first place, this of how much stress you could have gone through if you went along. There's so much opportunity out there. Good job on protecting yourself. Peace of mind is everything.