About Paid or Unpaid internships…,

I am one of the people who believe that interns should be paid!

Here is my personal experience,

Transitioning form university to the corporate world proved to be one of the most difficult and depressing events in my adult life.

From changing your entire wardrobe, paying every bill an adult should pay to trying not to lose your mind as you look for a stable job.

When I came to the city, I didn’t have lots of people to depend on, no single asset, an empty pocket and an education loan among others.

Fortunately, I managed to secure an internship opportunity with one of the rare firms that pay interns.

It took me months to settle. Precisely, I couldn't have survived a month in the city if that was not the case.

I had to skip some meals, Get a side hustle to supplement my small stipend, … and praying hard that I don’t fall ill along the way.

Basically, not paying interns is a recipe for a depressed, frustrated and overworked staff. I spend a lot of time with interns and these are things you can clearly see.

At the bare minimum, How about a small stipend to cater for commuter expenses, meals and other basic needs. Also, will paying for a medical cover like NHIF make a company fail?

You can’t expect interns to come to office on time and professionally groomed if a small stipend is difficult to offer.

They are going through a lot. Some have no relatives to support them or any alternative revenue stream.

PS: While this might be the case, I can’t pass without lauding organizations which eventually retain interns on full-time basis despite failing to offer stipends at the onset.

By J.Omae