Landed an unpaid internship, need some advice on moving forward.
I did some cold calling and managed to land an unpaid internship doing search engine optimization work. The position didn't exist until I called and expressed my interest. After which point, this employer and I agreed on 6 months of unpaid work where I learn the field in exchange for free labor. After this point we agreed to reevaluate becoming a paid employee (or I would walk and find someone who would hire me now that I have some experience). I've been working for a month now, it's going well, and I'm optimistic I'll be hired. Here's the problem, I need to decide where to move by mid May. My girlfriend is going to law school and that's when she needs to have made a decision. My 6 month stint is over in August. I'd like to discuss how strongly he feels about hiring me well before August (that way I know whether or not I need to start job searching before then). I'll be meeting him in person for the first time on Monday. Should I avoid bringing this up? Or should I find a strategic way to slip it into conversation? My current plan is to avoid the topic unless he brings it up, apply to other jobs while I'm working for him, and make a decision in August whether or not I want to continue working with him or not. What are your thoughts?
Be honest. When u bring it up it may spur them on to not let u go & in fact you'll be in the drivers seat to ask for what u need in salary, or it will afford u the opportunity to cut ur losses, but u gained experience that's invaluable & u can put that on ur resume. Ur willingness to give away ur expertise to gain more skills is an asset that will not be lost on ur future employers. U have nothing to lose & everything to gain! Go for it! Ur an inspiration to me too. Ppl pay for inspiration, passion & heart even more than skills. The combo of both is priceless.
Don't bring it up at your first meeting. Discuss what you have been doing and what you have learned so far. Only discuss the future if he brings it up since this is your first meeting.
You've gone after what you wanted, set goals and are following your dreams... Don't duck out and avoid. Face everything, be honest, and do what's best for your career. Be upfront about your future plans.
I've done the same myself for either one or two week stints. I've even gone in to apply for a job and said I'd show them what I could do for a day. I always been hired. What I would have negotiated is a percentage of pay after 6 months for those months you weren't paid whether it's a lump sum or spreading it out over a year. Anything could happen. And at the end of those six months you've contributed your time,ideas and energy. You're basically consulting for free.
Always follow your intuition. Your skills R valuable Get Paid what U know U R worth. If u don't receive it's because U don't ask. There's no harm in adkin'., only in never knowing what the answer is. Go 4 It - B assertive. U want 2 work - U want 2 get paid!
I like the way you were able to craft an opportunity for an internship. I think it's a good idea not to bring it up a month into the job but if he brings up the topic then I say go ahead and open up, take advantage of the moment. It takes at least 3 months min probation period for management to have a better perspective on your work ethic and skills. Set up a plan A and plan B scenario if possible.
Hello Ben, Nice job creating that opportunity but I would use the same initiative to bring up future plans with management. Times moves on quickly and leadership usually makes decisions based on fiscal quarters. Good luck....