College Grads “Will Work For Free”

Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by Money Talks News in College, Family, Video

With such a competitive job market these days, many college grads might be wondering what they’re going to do for work. What about an after college internship?

“Well, you know due to the fact that the way the economy is running right now it’s really tough to find those high paying jobs that we go to college to get. So I feel that interning, even though you’re not making the money, is giving you those opportunities when everything does settle down a little bit you’re going to be that first person in line to receive those high paying jobs because you’ve worked so long and so hard for nothing essentially that I think that as long as you put in your work I don’t think it will go over looked.”
-Arthur Mindermann, Intern

Arthur Mindermann is interning as a Chef at Florida International University. Rather than working at a restaurant earning money, he’s trying to cook up a brighter future by working for free.

And he may not be the only one. Roughly one and a half million seniors just graduated from college. And according to a recent survey from the National Association for Colleges and Employers, two thirds of companies said they’ll be hiring fewer or no college grads this year.

While an unpaid internship has one obvious disadvantage, there are some advantages as well.

“You definitely gain experience, a little bit of humbleness I would have to say working for nothing.”
-Arthur Mindermann, Intern

And those aren’t the only appetizing things about interning. In addition to experience, interns also earn connections that could pay off later. And maybe a head start on other applicants when jobs do open up. And it looks good on your resume.

“It’s a sacrifice, definitely but put in your time, put in your dues, and in the long run it should work out for you.”
-Arthur Mindermann, Intern

Bottom Line? Working for free is nobody’s idea of fun. But if jobs are scarce, it might be something to consider… if you can afford it. Simply put, starting at the bottom is better than not starting at all.