Internships are the first step towards a future career, but they come with a lot of misconceptions. Movies and shows depict office interns as frazzled young people saddled with the job of taking coffee orders all day, but that stereotype is far from reality.
Intern stereotypes typically depict them as overworked and underpaid. In reality, it’s rare for internships to not be worth it to individuals. In this blog, we’re busting myths about internships to dispel any worries or concerns you may have before taking one on.
Myth #1: Interns are always unpaid.
Believe it or not, it is often illegal to not pay interns. For example, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards dictates the compensation for interns. In most states, interns must receive minimum wage or academic credit as compensation for their work.
Some employers may classify interns as “trainees.” This would allow them to work for no compensation, but this is a rare case. This only works if the state determines that their training is equivalent to an educational environment. Any internship in the state of Massachusetts, for example, must be beneficial to the intern, either monetarily or academically.
Myth #2: Internships don’t teach you anything.
Many companies and organizations use interns for low-level work. This includes filing, data entry, or preliminary research. However, that doesn’t mean the work is unnecessary.
On the contrary, interns are often responsible for essential tasks that full-time employees can’t take on. Everyone has a role in keeping a company running, interns included!
One of the biggest benefits an intern can receive is simply exposure. Even if an intern spends most of their day shredding paper (like this writer did at their first internship!). But they’re doing it in a business environment where they can learn information from and network with those around them. That experience alone can be incredibly valuable to someone preparing for their first full-time job.
Myth #3: Internships are insanely competitive.
While internships within specific industries can be selective, there’s an infinite number of businesses in need of interns. To find the right internship for you, leverage your social media skills and personal connections. Even if your college professor doesn’t know any available internships, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any at all.
Attack your search from every angle- Google, Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Facebook, and more. Even if your first internship doesn’t perfectly align with your interests, it could help you get one that does. The best part about internships is gaining experience and connections!
Myth #4: Companies don’t value their interns.
Every employee is crucial to the success of any company. Barton Associates, Barton Healthcare Staffing, and Wellhart are no exception to this. Interns in our offices constantly aid our team with more man-power.
This extends to all departments for the Barton companies, whether it be marketing, sales and recruiting, or finance. Managers understand that interns are necessary for keeping up with projects, and overall making processes smoother.
Myth #5: Internships are only available in the summer.
This is untrue, as many companies offer internships year-round or in specific seasons. An internship may last for the fall, winter, spring, and summer months, or go for an entire year.
The length of the internship depends on what is necessary for the company. You should note that internships can lead to full-time positions within those organizations.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by Michelle Lowry in September 2021. It was updated by Desirae Sin in July 2024 to reflect current information.
