DEV Community

Discussion on: Internship/Unpaid or Hold out for Entry-Level?

Collapse
 
aspittel profile image
Ali Spittel • Edited

Don't do an unpaid internship unless it's for a non-profit. It's illegal unless you're getting college credit (which it sounds like you aren't).

Internships that are essentially jobs with an end date are fine, and apprenticeships are even better (the title I think is fairer for career changers). But, don't work for free and don't let people take advantage of you. If anything, build some free sites for organizations you believe in or family/friends or freelance to get work experience.

But, you deserve to get paid for your work.

You could also take on a CMS, QA, PM etc. tech job that's less code intensive to build your credentials if your skills are still developing.

Collapse
 
dmfay profile image
Dian Fay

Don't work for free and don't let people take advantage of you.

You deserve to get paid for your work.

Truer words were never spoken! Also beware of pre- or post-interview "homework" projects that seem a little too intensive: if somebody wants to get a page redesign or a prototype out of you to see what you can do, they can damn well pay you for your time.

Collapse
 
rhymes profile image
rhymes

Thank you both for saying these words. I'm going to refer to your comments in the future 🥳