INTERNSHIP: Tons of work, no pay. Or is it?

I'm seeing an interesting trend in the most recent years when it comes to the term internship. In most cases, people have a negative mentality when they hear the word. "I'll do a ton of work for no pay". Interesting.

This wasn't always the case. Not too long ago, I too, was in this same situation. BUT, what was different...my mentality.

"I'm going to give 100% effort and focus on the experience I'm going to gain. This company is dedicating resources to me to see if I have what it takes to be apart of the team."

Lets flashback to 2012, I had just chosen the school I would be attending to get my BA in Marketing. No experience, no degree. I knew I needed to get my foot in the door somewhere but I didn't know how or where to even start. So.. what did I do? I pitched myself to EVERY company on the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce site. I knew I wanted to work in coastal Carlsbad. I knew I wanted a career in marketing. I knew it was going to be a LOT of work. Keep in mind, job platforms were not as great as they are now. We all remember, craigslist. I got ONE call back. From a start-up health and wellness company in coastal Carlsbad, Activ8.

I interviewed, was brought on for an internship position (the company did not have a role for me at the time), then hired.

Fast forward to today (7 years later). I'm still working with the company at a different capacity. I have a BA in Marketing and an MBA in Financial Management. I'm Co-Founder of a youth sports club with one of the Co-Founders of Activ8. I've gained experience I could have never learned from textbooks. My life has completely changed, all because of ONE decision. I bet on myself, got out of my comfort zone and got super clear on the direction I wanted to take my life. It started with an internship. Un-paid. A company took a chance on me and look at the return...Talk about ROI.

If I were given that same opportunity, I'd take it again in a heartbeat. The value of the experience was worth more to me than any amount of money. But, you see, that's the difference between myself and others out there, I saw the bigger picture. I was hungry.

You might be thinking? That all sounds great but, "I have student loans", "I have bills that don't get paid with hopes and dreams"... You're right. Get creative. I took on other side gigs to get my bills paid while I was on the pursuit of a bigger vision. Hundreds of hours were spent at promotional events on the weekends..comic con every year for 4 years straight. I chose books and work over friends and nights out. There's always a way if you're passionate enough.

If you too are looking for a way to get your foot in the door, I'd highly recommend testing the waters.

Activ8 is interviewing for multiple internships at the moment as well as a PAID Performance Coach position. These positions are for local candidates in the San Diego area.