Internships for the Non-Traditional Student

An internship is learning skills while ‘working ‘on the job. Internships are beneficial to college students because it provides job related experience they can show to a prospective employer. But, what about the 30-something, non-traditional, student?

Several years ago I went back to school part-time to get a degree that would put me on a different career path. I finished BA in History and was ready to embark on a new career as an Historian, researcher, educator, museum director. I was willing and expecting to start in an entry level position, no problem. Well, there was a problem, I needed experience. Everyone wanted 1 to 2 years experience, 5 to 10 years experience. Ok, I thought, how do I get that experience without getting the job? Checking around and talking with as many people as I could about the industry, I found out that an internship was the way to go, and that I should also continue on with a master’s degree.

I quickly enrolled in a master’s program and started looking for internships . I found many wonderful internships at museums across America. How wonderful to spend three months working with the Smithsonian in Washington, DC; what an experience to spend the summer at The Hermitage working with the Curator as his/her assistant! Well, that was not going to happen. How could I possibly leave my family for three months and give up income for three months? I would have to quit my job, give up my business. In this economy that is suicide! In any economy walking away from a job is suicide! My job sure isn’t going to just let me take a three month vacation! Ok, so what about locally? I checked. Yes, there were many local internships that were just as amazing. However, internship hours were the same as working hours. Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Some were later, some were earlier. So what is a 30-something to do!

Frustrated, I had to find a way to get experience! So, what is an internship anyway? Basically, you are a volunteer. Bingo!!! Volunteer was the answer. Volunteers are not limited to a certain amount of hours you have to complete. Volunteers do not have specific days they have to be there. Volunteers can set their own schedule, and best of all…most places offer weekend volunteer hours!!

So what is my advice to the 30, 40 or 50-something, non-traditional student…VOLUNTEER. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Hospitals, museums, non-profits are great! But what if they don’t offer the experience you need? Approach a business that does have what you need. They don’t have to be nonprofits. Most businesses are happy if not more than willing to accept someone wanting to do the work for free!

Tell them what you are doing and why you want to be a volunteer at their business. Be truthful, you are a student. You are trying to make a career change but you lack experience in the field. Would they be willing to allow you to volunteer at their business so you can gain the experience? I haven’t been turned down yet and now I can say I have one year museum experience and 3 years clerical. It can get hectic with our busy schedules but you knew it wasn’t going to be easy when you went back to school at 30!