Unpaid Internship: Should I stay or should I go?

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If you’re in the United States, unless you’re doing an unpaid internship for college credit, which is rare in my experience... I’m pretty sure your unpaid situation is illegal.

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Leave it. Don’t work for free and if you don’t need the internship to get your first real job leave it for some student who could actually use the experience

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Well, I am using it to test the waters in this new country. Also, I'm not the only intern. Actually getting internships are as hard as getting an actual job. You go through an interview and all that jazz.

Cont: Hey guys, so I've been doing an Internship at a small shop for a month, and I am debating whether I should stay or go. I started this internship because currently I'm not able to work (just married, moved to another country, vida blabla) and I wanted to see how things are around here for when my time to job hunt comes, which should be in a month or so. It's not a bad place, and I do fun assignments. However, I am already a senior graphic designer, or at least used to be in my country, and I don't feel like I am really learning anything special. I am basically producing a bunch of work from free (I know I sound ungrateful), but it's not the agency's fault anyway. So, this internship ends in March, and I don't really think they are hiring me after this (they are struggling a bit in the financial side) that's why I'm also debating... I just don't wanna quit and feel like I took the easy way out or feel lazy

It isn't illegal, but definitely not suggested. Internships can literally be anything the employer suggests they be, but if it's unpaid, you damn well better be making good connections and learning different trades. My suggestion would be to leave. Work on your book and start applying now, placing a stipulation of the date you can work. Are the issues with a visa? Most employers will understand, and if you have a good enough portfolio, will comply with the process.

Yah OP, it sucks, had a few friends who went through it to. I will let you know,that with the current shutdown no paperwork will go through, and so, it will add the delay of however long this is to your wait. Are you able to be sponsored by a company? Larger holding agencies, as well as mid range shops often pay for visas, and can expediate the process. Also, and I know this is illegal and puts you at risk, but many of my friends freelanced to pay bills. Not big jobs, all cash, but hey it allowed them to make due. Keep it up, it gets better.

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