Unpaid work can be a necessary evil. Here are the best ways to get value for your time and eventually land a job.
Interning is a great way to gain valuable industry experience, build up your portfolio and populate your resume. Because internships don’t last long and hours are normally intermittent, it can be difficult to make an impression and score a great gig when you finish up. We’ve put together a quick list of things to keep in mind to help you get the most out of an unpaid role, and ultimately help you land a job.
There’s often a steep learning curve when you begin an internship. This can be daunting, but it’s a great way to take on new information and get a lot out of your role. When you make a mistake, speak to your colleagues, ask questions and make note of where you went wrong – it’s worth keeping a journal and writing these down. Employers will notice you demonstrating that you learn from mistakes and rectify them going forward.
Having confidence in your abilities and a willingness to take on new tasks will impress potential employers. When you’re offered a job that pushes you beyond your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to give it a go. Take on extra work (within reason) and say yes to difficult tasks. Throwing yourself in the deep end and immersing yourself in new and challenging tasks is a great way to broaden your skill set and impress your colleagues.
You’re likely juggling intern duties, paid work, university, a social life and plenty more. While it’s great to take on extra work where you can, remember that internships are unpaid and you shouldn’t feel pressured to complete work outside of your agreed hours if it’s not feasible. At the beginning of your internship, ask your employer for a contract outlining your conditions, work requirements, length of employment and other negotiable items. Verbal agreements are legal, but it’s best to have this sort of thing in writing. If you’re unsure of your rights, you can get in touch with Fair Work to find out more.
Once you’re comfortable with your regular duties, it’s a good idea to show initiative and complete tasks without being asked. Pitch ideas, ask to be included in meetings where possible and speak up when you think of anything new or useful. Even if an employer doesn’t agree with all of your ideas, showing that you’re constantly thinking is a great way to demonstrate that you care about the business and your role. This transfers to personal tasks as well – make sure you keep your portfolio up-to-date, create a website for your work (particularly if you’re in a creative field) and update your social media and resume to include details about your internship.
If you’ve got a broad skill set, don’t be afraid to show it off. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable, and employers are always looking to hire staff with transferrable skills. If you write an article and notice your boss is struggling to find accompanying photography, offer to take photos if you’re qualified. If a client you’re managing finances for mentions something about rebranding, offer to draft up a logo if it fits your expertise. The more areas you’re skilled in, the more opportunity you have to get hired at the conclusion of your internship.
Workplaces often host team lunches, Friday drinks and other events. While it might feel a bit awkward tagging along, if you’re invited to anything, it’s great to go. Attending work events is a good way to meet more people from the business, relax around your colleagues and introduce yourself as more than just an intern. While it’s good to keep work chat to a minimum at events, when the conversation does steer that way it can be a great chance to network, too.
You’ll gain a lot of intangibles from an internship – broadening your skill set, a better understanding of your industry and more of an idea of what you might want in a career. It’s important to gain tangible and actionable information as well, and the best way to do this is to ask for it and be direct. Is there a way you can land a job, or possibly freelance? Can you exchange contact details with your colleagues for future roles? Can you get a written reference or contact details to include on your resume? Are there any other contacts you can be put in touch with for future work or internships? The best way to gain information is to ask, and it’s highly unlikely your employer will have an issue with it.
Looking to stand out from the crowd? Check out our tips on assembling your portfolio, as well at turning your creative passion into a career.
