Direct answer
Candidates should never rely on the word “internship” alone. Check whether the role is paid, stipend-based, expenses-only or unpaid, and assess the hours, costs, learning value and legal context together.
Understand the compensation label
A paid role should explain the rate or salary and payment schedule. A stipend should state the amount and purpose. Expenses-only should identify which costs are reimbursed. An unpaid role should say so plainly.
Calculate the real cost
Compare likely income or support with travel, accommodation, meals, equipment and lost working time. A role can be unaffordable even when it offers useful experience.
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Equipment
- Insurance
- Visa or administration costs
Assess the learning exchange
A worthwhile internship should offer structured work, supervision, feedback and learning. Long hours of routine work with no guidance should be questioned, especially when the role is unpaid.
Watch for warning signs
Be cautious about unexplained payments, commission-only work described as an internship, vague employer identities, guaranteed earnings and pressure to accept immediately.
- No clear responsibilities
- No named supervisor
- Unexplained candidate fees
- Guaranteed income claims
- Requests for unnecessary sensitive data
Make a decision using the full picture
Compensation matters, but so do supervision, responsibilities, eligibility, location and what the experience adds to your next step. Ask for missing information before you commit.