She Strengthens

The Unpaid Internship Struggle: How I Survived in Washington D.C.

A Summer of Sacrifices

Between my junior and senior years of college, I embarked on an unpaid internship in Washington, D.C. – a rite of passage for many aspiring leaders. While I wasn’t from a poor background, I had limited financial means compared to my Ivy League classmates. Many of my friends doing similar internships in expensive cities had parents who could help with rent and expenses – a safety net I didn’t have.

Making It Work

I knew I had to find a way to make it work, so I decided to live a barebones existence on around $1,000 a month. I came up with this amount by working multiple on-campus jobs during the academic year and saving 50-75% of every paycheck. I also charged my subletter a security deposit, which I used to pay the security deposit on my D.C. place. Additionally, I lined up side hustles while in D.C., mostly freelance writing, to ensure some income over the summer.

Breaking Down the Budget

Housing: I shared a basement room in a Georgetown rowhouse with a friend, paying $750 each per month. The room was small, but we had our own bathroom and kitchenette.

Transportation: My internship provided $25 a week for transportation, which I used to take the bus to work. I saved $20 a week by walking home and added it to my “fun budget.”

Groceries and Eating Out: I budgeted $50 a week on groceries, buying rice, beans, lentils, pasta, and some protein. I rarely ate out, but budgeted for one or two hangouts with friends at affordable happy hours.

Entertainment: I discovered the joys of free museums, monuments, and the National Zoo. I also used my D.C. Public Library card to check out books and e-books. A relative gifted me photography classes through the Smithsonian, which were a great way to spend time and see the city.

Grand Total: $1,050 a month

Takeaways

Unpaid internships perpetuate class divides and force many to resort to extreme tactics to afford them. Companies can afford to pay their interns, but often don’t. While I had fun over the summer, there were clear costs: constant stress, weight loss, and isolation. It shouldn’t be this hard to get experience, and it shouldn’t be a requirement to work for free to start out your career.

The Bigger Picture

My experience taught me that it’s possible to live in a big city on a small amount of money, but it can also be hard, isolating, and stressful. Unfortunately, this is becoming a common experience for many. It’s time to rethink the unpaid internship model and make it more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means.