With the economy and job market both taking a dive, the past year has seen a surge of unemployed professionals scrambling to find a job. Creative fields seemed to be hit the hardest, leaving many trying to decide whether they should even stay in their profession. Many people started their own small businesses and as a result, there were a number of new opportunities in the form of internships and part-time jobs.  Many people saw these new positions as a way to learn more about a new field while they waited for the job market to pick back up.

I was one of these people. Having just started my own freelance company, there were areas that I wanted to learn more about. A few unpaid weeks later, I realized that this was a mistake. I met some great people, but my time could have been spent networking on my own terms or focusing on projects. There are some great opportunities out there if you’re in an “in-between” position, but make sure you know what you’re looking to get out of it and then make sure you get it. I know a lot of people in the this position and I come to you now with a few words of wisdom:

1.0 If you’re going to make a mistake, at least get paid for it
At one point, I took an unpaid internship and hoped to learn more about a relatively new way of interacting with others online. The internship promised real world experience, conferences, networking opportunities, and a case study that I could show to potential employers. The opportunities seemed to make up for the few unpaid hours I would be putting in each week and I happily accepted. One thing after another fell through and not only did I have nothing to show, I had done some design work for free.

If you’re going to take an unpaid internship or position, make sure that there is a payoff of some kind. Are they paying your way into events? Will you be involved in projects that you would otherwise be unable to do? What do you gain? Make sure they follow through on their promises.

If you are doing specialty work (design, for example) for the organization, set up a system where you will get paid for the extra work. The work you do as part of the internship should be clearly defined and any work outside of that should be discussed ahead of time.

Research the company or person you are talking to and see if they can help you add valuable experience to your resume. One easy way to do this is to check out the Better Business Bureau.  Too many people get by with getting “free work” while you waste your time and energy with nothing to show in the end.  In my case, I at least learned what not to do.

2.0 Be social
Don’t be shy about keeping in touch with the people you meet. These people are potentially great resources that could help you in the future. You never know where you will be or what situations will arise and it never hurts to know as many people as possible – especially in the field you want to be in.

If  you do follow up with contacts, you want to keep things positive. Things didn’t work out with the position? Those details don’t need to be shared unless they directly effect things moving forward. It’s important to keep your personal life and business life separate to some degree.

Also, you should never “steal” contacts. Make an effort to meet people on your own and form your own relationships with them.

3.0 Don’t ignore opportunities
It’s easy to become attached to a position and team – especially in the unique environment of a start-up. You’ll be working hard and closely with your new colleagues and you’ll all be putting more of yourselves into your work. While I am a huge supporter of staying dedicated to your team, I am also aware that there are always great opportunities out there. Any team will understand your desire to take a chance on what could be an exciting new turn in your career – especially one that pays.

4.0 Soak it in
In an internship, you should be learning. Getting coffee or running errands, while a part of any job, doesn’t ultimately prepare you to move on. You want to work with and for a leader who will guide you. You will make mistakes – that’s part of an internship, too. Ask questions and use this time to learn as much as possible.

5.0 Be good
Be a good worker. Even if the gig is a bust, you will most likely have worked hard enough to learn something or have something to show for your time. Be a good person. Don’t just get to know people because they might be able to help you in the future – actually get to know people just to know them. At the same time, be someone worth getting to know. Help other people along the way. The biggest gain from any situation I’ve been in has been the friendships I’ve walked away with.

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