Are unpaid internships really helpful to South Africans?
Internships come in various forms, and not all are designed to meet every individual’s needs. Many internships are unpaid and can last anywhere from a few days to several months. The reason these internships don’t provide wages is that they focus on offering you the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience, and skills, rather than offering a paid position within an organization. The Fair Work Act of 2009 clarifies that unpaid internships are permissible as long as the intern is the primary beneficiary and the learning involved is meaningful. If you have any concerns regarding this, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website provides more detailed information.
While it’s natural to wish for compensation for every task you undertake, it’s essential to understand the value an unpaid internship can bring to your studies and future career. The experience gained from such internships can significantly contribute to both personal and professional development.
One of the key benefits of an unpaid internship is the chance to explore where your degree could take you. Working on assignments and case studies at university is different from gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting. An internship allows you to understand how your academic skills translate into practical work. This firsthand exposure can help clarify your career choices. You may discover a specific field or business that excites you, or you might realize that a career you once dreamed of doesn’t quite align with your expectations. Either way, an unpaid internship can help inform your decisions when it comes to applying for graduate positions. For example, The Deluxe Entertainment Services Group offers a rotational internship program across its Media and Broadcast teams, providing interns exposure to various aspects of the business, helping them decide where to specialize.
An unpaid internship can also bring immediate benefits to your current studies. If certain concepts in your coursework are challenging, spending time in a workplace environment can help make those concepts clearer. The real-world context provided by seasoned professionals can enhance your understanding and show you how theory is applied practically. Furthermore, internships offer a refreshing break from the often repetitive cycle of assignments and lectures, allowing you to refocus your academic goals.
Networking is another major advantage of unpaid internships. Interns are often paired with mentors who guide them throughout their time in the workplace. Depending on the length of the internship and the depth of involvement within the organization, you may have regular mentoring sessions with senior staff or management. These sessions offer a prime opportunity to make a positive impression and potentially secure future employment. Many individuals who complete internships with an organization go on to start their careers there, thanks to the relationships they’ve built during their internship.
In terms of skills and experience, although unpaid internships are not meant for performing productive work, they still offer valuable learning opportunities. According to the Fair Work Act 2009, interns should not be doing the organization’s regular work. However, they can still engage in real tasks, learning alongside staff members working on actual projects. For instance, a legal intern may not present cases in court, but they will assist lawyers and observe how cases are prepared. Close interaction with professionals provides a wealth of industry-specific knowledge and skills that may not be available in the classroom. Kristina, who was a Practical Legal Training (PLT) student, participated in Salvos Legal’s volunteer-based internship program. She highlighted how the experience allowed her to develop significant skills and knowledge in property law.
Internships also offer the opportunity to experience workplace culture, which can play a crucial role when making future career decisions. Spending even a short time in an organization can provide insights into its working environment. Observing how staff interact, whether they seem stressed or happy, and how newcomers are treated can significantly influence your future job choices. Simon, another intern at Salvos Legal, recommended the internship because of the positive culture and supportive environment he experienced during his four-month placement.
Although unpaid internships may not be suitable for everyone due to personal circumstances, they present numerous advantages for those who can integrate them into their study plans. While the benefits may not be immediately apparent, the knowledge and connections gained from such experiences will prove invaluable when making important career decisions.