The real value of work

It is often said that London is where "the streets are paved with gold"! Well this may be the case for some but actually, the reality is (like any other city in the UK and around the world) you get out as much as you put in... Hard work reaps rewards. So, with that in mind, how do you measure the value of an un-paid internship?

For some industries (i.e. creative agencies) it can be common practice to offer your services for free because the return on investment you get for your time is a foot in the door and potential to be earning and working in the job you most desire. There is still a lot to be said for short and long term work experience.

However, this is not the case for all jobs. There has been many a debate on whether un-paid internships are worth their weight in gold. Is the company you are 'employed' by simply taking advantage? Months of hard work and learning you may still be left without a permanent position or even the contacts to help you advance. Yet some of you do it.

Whilst we would not advocate that this is the right thing for companies to offer (or exploit), from your perspective it could provide the hook to help stand your CV out from others when it comes to facing the competitive job market.

We wrote earlier this week how there was an increased number of applicants per job and competition is tough. What other options have you got?

Well, simply it's about creating yourself a portfolio career! Consider an 'interim' position. Our Director of Executive Consulting at Right Management was interviewed this week and she commented in the article about the benefits of short term work that those in top level executive positions could gain from such an approach to the market.

Whoever you are and whatever stage in your career you are at, if you are in transition and looking to either try something new or provide a stop-gap between old job and new job - an interim job could be just what your work life needs. 

Some specific benefits:

• Contracts can offer you flexibility
• Exposure to your desired line of work can help build your expertise
• The differing roles can give you variety
• You can showcase your talent to prospective permanent employers of the future
• The experience can provide you with more time to really assess what career you want, or what role would suit you best in a certain industry.

These positions of course all come with a salary, and what you can gain in return is a lesson in what the real value of work is for you.


For more information on preparing yourself for the world of work, contact us to request your FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.