The job market is tough, and for students and recent graduates, getting that first step on the career ladder can feel impossible. Employers expect experience, but how do you gain experience if no one is willing to hire you? That’s where internships come in. These placements are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping young people learn new skills, gain industry insights, and make professional connections.
But there’s a catch—many of these internships don’t pay. You might be offered the chance to work in a prestigious company, but at the cost of your time and financial stability. While some argue that unpaid internships open doors and provide valuable experience, others say they exploit young workers and create barriers for those who can’t afford to work for free.
If you’re considering an unpaid internship, you need to think carefully. Will it actually benefit your career, or are there better ways to gain experience without financial sacrifice? Let’s explore the pros and cons and whether you should take the offer or look for alternatives.
Do Unpaid Internships Help Your Career?
At first glance, an unpaid internship seems like a great opportunity. It gives you access to an industry you’re trying to break into, a chance to work alongside professionals, and something impressive to add to your CV. Many students believe that completing an internship—paid or not—will give them an edge when applying for graduate jobs.
For some industries, particularly in creative fields like media, fashion, and publishing, an internship is often seen as an unofficial requirement. Employers want candidates who already have experience, and an internship can help you develop the practical skills that universities don’t always teach. You might also gain access to insider knowledge, be assigned real projects, and even be considered for a paid position if you impress the right people.
Networking is another major benefit. Being in a professional environment means meeting people who could recommend you for future roles. Sometimes, getting a job isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. If you can make a strong impression and build relationships, an unpaid internship could lead to paid opportunities down the line.
But that’s the ideal scenario. Not all internships offer real training or valuable experience. Some unpaid interns find themselves stuck doing menial tasks like making coffee, answering phones, or sorting emails, with little chance to develop meaningful skills. If an internship is nothing more than free labour for a company, it might not be worth your time.
The Financial Reality of Working for Free
One of the biggest reasons students turn down unpaid internships is simple: they can’t afford to work for free. While some internships last just a few weeks, others stretch over several months, making it impossible to juggle other part-time work. If you’re already dealing with student loans, rent, and living expenses, an unpaid internship can put you in a difficult financial position.
It also raises issues of fairness. Those who can afford to take unpaid work—often with financial support from parents—gain experience and opportunities, while those who need a salary are left behind. This creates an uneven playing field, making it harder for students from lower-income backgrounds to enter competitive industries.
In some cases, unpaid internships are legally questionable. UK employment law states that if you are doing actual work rather than just shadowing or learning, you should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Yet, many companies continue to offer unpaid internships under the label of "work experience" or "volunteer positions." If you’re asked to take on significant responsibilities, you may have the right to request payment.
Are There Better Alternatives?
If you need experience but can’t afford to work for free, don’t worry—there are other ways to build your skills and boost your employability. Many companies now offer paid internships, especially in fields like tech, finance, and business. While these may be more competitive, they provide real training and a salary, making them a better long-term investment.
Apprenticeships are another great option, allowing you to earn while you learn. These programmes combine practical work with formal training, and in many cases, they lead to full-time employment.
If you’re interested in industries like marketing, design, or content creation, freelancing can help you gain experience while earning money. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour allow you to take on small projects and build a portfolio, even without formal job experience.
You can also look at part-time jobs that develop transferable skills. Working in retail, hospitality, or customer service might not be directly related to your career goals, but these roles teach communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are valuable in any industry.
Volunteering is another alternative. Many charities and non-profits need help with event planning, social media, fundraising, and administrative tasks. This kind of work experience can be just as valuable as an internship and often comes with more flexibility.
How to Decide If an Unpaid Internship is Worth It
Before accepting an unpaid internship, take a step back and ask yourself a few key questions.
Does this role provide real training, or is it just free labour? Will it teach you industry-specific skills, give you access to networking opportunities, or help you stand out in the job market? If the answer is yes, and you can afford to take it, it might be worth considering.
However, if the internship offers little more than basic admin tasks with no clear learning outcomes, or if taking it would put you under financial strain, it’s probably best to look for other options.
Not all unpaid internships are bad, but they shouldn’t be the only path to gaining experience. There are plenty of other ways to develop your skills, connect with professionals, and land a great job—without working for free.