Why Do You Want This Internship? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why Do You Want This Internship?

Why do you want this *unpaid* internship?

891
Why Do You Want This Internship?
Film of Filia

Do you know that blank feeling you get when first asked, "Why do you want this internship?" Chances are if you are a college student, you do or will know that feeling soon.

There are two feelings you get when you hear this question. There is either a passionate response detailing the exact reasons why you want the internship, or your mind goes blank as you try to quickly decide if you should tell the truth or tell them what they want to hear.

For the people who know why they want the internship, this article is not for you. But for the people who have experienced the second, "Oh shit, why do I really want this internship?" feeling, this is for you.

And for many of us we've face this "why" question before but only for paying jobs. And the answer is money. I want the pay, I have no passion for fast food or nannying or guarding lives or anything; I want the money.

But then, there comes the good 'ole unpaid internship. Listen, the last thing I want to do is work for free. But there is this god awful thing called "experience;" you need it. So instead of trading those hours of your life for money, you're trading them for experience. This experience will help you get a job later in life, help you fulfill college requirements and maybe give you a taste of what your desired career is. But it is still hard to give up the sweet, sweet money you are used to trading your precious hours of life for.

So after facing all of these conflicting thoughts, how are you then supposed to formulate a decent response to the interviewer, who has been patiently waiting for the last 10 seconds or so as you stumble over "ums" and "well, you sees."

Wing it. And that's not a good answer, but it's what you have to do. It's what I did yesterday. You say the best thing that comes to your mind and hope the interviewer resonates with it. If you are facing an unpaid internship, try to realize how valuable this experience can be, either showing you that you really do or really don't want to follow that career path.

Looking at a lot of work without the benefit of money, especially when facing college bills, can be a really difficult decision. So when it comes to answering why you want the job, really look at it and ask yourself, is this worth my time? The payments for college won't make themselves, but this experience could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180904
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7838
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452931
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23559
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments