She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Internship Cycle

Many of us have been there – stuck in a never-ending cycle of internships, fellowships, and part-time jobs, with no clear path to a permanent, well-paying position. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Internship Treadmill,” can be demoralizing and exhausting.

The Struggle is Real

My friend, who recently landed her first full-time job in wildlife and fisheries management, knows this struggle all too well. After years of bouncing between internships, seasonal positions, and stints abroad, she finally feels like she’s off the treadmill. But her journey is not unique. Many of my friends who have secured careers in their field have had to endure a similar grind, often spending years on the treadmill before landing a real job.

The Illusion of Progress

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we’re making progress, even when we’re not. We might move from an unpaid internship to a part-time fellowship with a decent stipend, but if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves stuck in a cycle of low-paying, high-stress work with no clear exit strategy.

The Dark Side of Freelance Work

Claire, a friend who recently landed her first staff job in media, learned the hard way that freelance work can be a trap. She was working long hours with high quotas, but was paid as an intern and kept at 35 hours a week to avoid qualifying for benefits. Only after leaving the job did she discover that her arrangement was illegal.

The Fear of Being Replaced

We often feel pressure to accept subpar working conditions, fearing that if we speak up, we’ll be replaced. But it’s essential to recognize when promises are not being kept or when excuses are being made for why we can’t access a living wage or basic benefits.

Breaking the Cycle

So, how do we break free from the internship cycle? It starts with recognizing that we’re not moving forward and being willing to take control of our careers. Sam, an architect who bounced around from fellowship to fellowship for two years, eventually landed a salaried job when a former professor intervened on his behalf. He now lives 500 miles from his ideal location, but at least he’s off the treadmill.

The Power of Networking

My friend, who eventually landed her dream job, realized that she needed to think outside the box. She asked everyone she knew if they knew of job openings, and her resume was passed around until she landed an interview. It’s essential to leverage our personal and social networks to find opportunities that might not be advertised publicly.

Don’t Accept Exploitation

It’s crucial to recognize the fine line between mutual benefit and exploitation. While some internships can be useful, it’s essential to ensure that we’re not being taken advantage of. Michael, who spent a well-paid summer internship in engineering, noted that his experience was not universal, and that people in other departments were not being treated fairly.

Take Control of Your Career

So, what can you do to avoid getting stuck on the internship treadmill? First, research your employer’s terms to ensure they’re legal. Set a firm exit date if you haven’t transitioned to a permanent position. Demand that promises made to you are kept, and don’t assume that your internship will lead to something permanent. Most importantly, prioritize your own growth and well-being, and don’t be afraid to take control of your career.