Invest in Experience, Not Stipends: The True Value of Unpaid Internships

I believe that unpaid internships can offer valuable learning experiences and professional growth, as seen in the success of our previous interns.

Unpaid internships can offer valuable learning experiences and professional growth, as seen in the success of our previous interns, including Neha Sain, Mohammad Kavish, Anurag Sharma, Khushi Puri and many more. But people on LinkedIn who live hand-to-mouth cannot understand it.

In today's competitive world, the debate surrounding unpaid internships continues to stir strong opinions. While some argue that all work should be compensated, others believe that internships are primarily about gaining valuable experience rather than immediate financial rewards. This article explores the benefits of unpaid internships, especially for those just starting their careers, and why focusing on learning can yield far greater long-term results than short-term earnings.

Learning Over Earning: A Growth Mindset

At the heart of any internship is the opportunity to learn and grow. Many young professionals and students view internships as a stepping stone to full-time employment, a place where they can hone their skills, network, and get a feel for their chosen industry. However, the conversation often shifts toward stipends and salaries, with some interns focusing more on what they’re earning rather than what they’re learning. This mindset can be limiting.

An internship, particularly an unpaid one, places all the focus on learning. Without the distraction of a paycheck, the intern's primary purpose becomes absorbing knowledge and gaining hands-on experience. The skills and expertise developed during this time are what ultimately matter most—not the temporary stipend, which in many cases is a fraction of what can be earned with the right career trajectory.

Short-Term Sacrifice, Long-Term Gain

While it might seem counterintuitive, not getting paid for an internship can sometimes open the door to much bigger opportunities in the future. Consider this: a typical internship might pay a stipend of ?10,000-?30,000 per month. While this money could provide some immediate relief, it is unlikely to change one’s financial situation significantly. In contrast, the experience gained during an internship can set the foundation for high-paying roles or successful entrepreneurial ventures down the road.

Take, for example, the case of someone who interned at a product development company like Sanfe, where they were involved in New Product Development and learned valuable content strategies. Initially, this work might seem unappreciated without monetary compensation, but the real value became apparent when these learned skills translated into a highly successful project later on. After being given the task of setting up a Shopify store and running performance ads for a company, the intern generated ?2.5 lakh in the first month and ?5 lakh the next month. These figures far outweigh the ?10,000-?30,000 that could have been earned through a paid internship.

The key takeaway here is that the skills learned and the real-world experience gained during the internship paid off in a far bigger way, illustrating the importance of taking a long-term view when considering internships.

Avoiding the “Small Reward Trap”

One of the most significant risks with paid internships, especially low-paying ones, is the potential for complacency. When an intern knows they are receiving a fixed amount each month, there is a risk they will only do the minimum required to earn that paycheck. This is similar to how students might approach an exam: if you were paid a small amount to solve 10 questions each day, would you have the same drive to solve 20 or more? This mentality can lead to stagnation, where interns become content with meeting the bare minimum, rather than striving for excellence.

In unpaid internships, the incentive is different. The reward comes in the form of learning, growth, and personal development. Without the distraction of a paycheck, interns may feel more motivated to push themselves, take on new challenges, and make the most of every learning opportunity.

Challenging Financial Constraints

Of course, not everyone can afford to take on an unpaid internship, and that reality must be acknowledged. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, and for them, the prospect of working without financial compensation is simply not feasible. However, it’s essential to consider that unpaid internships are not necessarily about immediate financial gain but about creating opportunities for future success. Interns who can afford to make this short-term sacrifice often find that the long-term rewards far exceed the initial lack of pay.

For those who are in a position to take unpaid internships, the message is clear: don’t let a small stipend hold you back from pursuing a great learning opportunity. If the experience is valuable, if it will help you build your career, then that opportunity is worth far more than a paycheck in the long run.

The College Comparison: Paying for Learning

When viewed in a broader context, internships are similar to college. In college, students pay tuition to learn and grow, without any expectation of immediate financial returns. Why is it that students are willing to pay for their education but are sometimes reluctant to take an unpaid internship? Both are investments in one’s future, where the goal is to gain knowledge, skills, and qualifications that will ultimately lead to career success.

Internships should be seen in the same light. They offer real-world experience that is difficult to obtain in a classroom setting, and this experience can be far more valuable than any amount of money.

References from Top Organizations

QS Quacquarelli Symonds ~

I think students should consider doing an unpaid internship. Even if the student does not get paid, they still need to appreciate that there is a huge investment for a company to train up any student.

The Economic Times ~

Freshers to the job market are often told that it's okay to settle for an unpaid internship to gain experience and build a stronger foundation for career growth.

CareerAddict ~

Taking an internship is often the first rung on your career ladder. It’s an experience like no other: a chance for you to experience the world of work, put what you’ve learned in college to the test, and make lasting connections while you’re at it.

Times Internet ~

Interns may have the chance to attend industry events, conferences, or workshops to interact with professionals and expand their professional network. This exposure can be instrumental in securing future employment opportunities and establishing valuable connections within the industry.

Galgotias University ~

1. Skill Development and Practical Experience, 2. Networking Opportunities, 3. Enhanced Resume and Employment Prospects

Frontiers ~

Internships embedded within educational frameworks can provide exposure to real-world practices under supervised conditions, serving both educational and experiential purposes.

Learning Is the Biggest Reward

Ultimately, internships—whether paid or unpaid—are about growth and development. They provide an opportunity to gain practical skills, build a network, and better understand one’s career path. While financial compensation may be a factor for some, it should not overshadow the primary purpose of an internship, which is learning. For those who are fortunate enough to be in a position to take unpaid internships, the long-term rewards in terms of experience and career success far outweigh any short-term financial gains.

So, to any intern reading this, remember: don’t let small stipends distract you from the bigger picture. Learning and growth should always come first, and the financial rewards will follow in time.

What are your openions on this, let us know in the comments!!