I need to add to the concern of unpaid internships.  When I was in college,
I was able to work at the museums at the school.  I did work-study during the
school year, which is paid, and I "interned" in the summer, which was also
paid.

When I graduated in 1986, I took another internship, which was for more
experience.  I could not have gotten credit for it, because obviously I'd
graduated, which is when a lot of students work internships.  Luckily, this was
also paid.  It was not a lot of money, but I was also provided housing.

I am now a graduate student, leaving school in May.  I need a job just like
thousands of other people.  I don't need more credits, I need money and a foot
BACK in the door.  Being in school, to some degree, has put too much distance
between me now and my work experience 5 plus years ago.  It's much harder being
an older person (not too old!) starting out again, than I'd imagined.  Just
something to think about.

Ellen Schwartz
University Art Museum
University at Albany
[log in to unmask]