Last month Kenyans were on Twitter talking about whether interns should be paid or not ‘#PayInternsKe’. The organizations and the interns were clearly not on the same page. From this discussion, there were those who strongly felt interns should be paid because not all of them have a support system. People shared stories of interns who had to go through difficult situations to complete their internships. Some would walk for unbelievable distances while others went to extremes of stealing and selling office materials just to get a meal.
In my opinion and in relation to taking advantage of your career, I think some of the issues brought out should be thought out before drawing conclusions. This discussion can easily mislead some young adults. Think about it!
What’s essential to you as an intern? Is it gaining experience? Would the opportunity to work in that company open doors for you? Will that internship take your resume to another level? Taking up an internship or an intern should not be about money. That unpaid internship may be what gets you the high paying job that you want.
On the other hand, if you have to pay bills, money is the priority. Will you then go to the interview and say,” Hey, you need to pay me because I’ve got bills to pay?” In many cases, the employer doesn’t care. Organizations will always find ways to cut the overall expenditure of the company. Contrary to popular belief that college students have, organizations will not hire you fresh out of school and give you a pile of money for a job they are not sure you can handle. You have to prove you have what it takes.
It is up to you to take charge of your finances. If the employer won’t pay you, then decide whether the experience is worth it. Can you get a second job to pay your rent, transport, and other expenses? Should you first hustle and save money for three months’ rent so that when you get that internship opportunity, you won’t have to struggle?
Before getting into any career opportunity, even later after an internship, you have to figure out what your priorities are at that particular time. Do not go into that internship blind, just because it’s the way of life. Besides, what are your long term goals? If you have someone to support you, then going for that unpaid internship would be the right choice, as long as it contributes to your long term goals.
That is not to say that if you have to hustle first, you do something that doesn’t contribute to your goals. That is why some people sometimes get stuck — Doing something that they do not like doing for the sake of getting that money. Yes, the money will pay your rent but be careful. You don’t want to look back later in your life and think about how you wasted time. This world is undoubtedly not for time-wasters. You’ve got to be on the go and ultimately choose to do what you like as this is what will make you remarkable and climb up the career ladder.
An internship is like an audition in the corporate world. You go in, put on your best performance for the period allocated and hope you get the part. Many interns are auditioning for the same spot. You will also be compared to all the previous interns who have been in your place. What are you doing to stand out? Are you making the extra step and asking for additional tasks? Are you better than your predecessor, and do you have what it takes to be picked for the part? Are you bringing value worth being paid?
Overall, remember to find your ‘Why’. Take part in programs that will help you create a career plan. Our Centonomy Career Hub program helps you connect your job to your personal vision and identify your strengths. Once you have a plan, your goals become clear. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Written by & Edited by:
Elizabeth Mwangi and Esther Kariuki