Being in an unpaid internship, I held the mindset that I was there to learn. It was not great—traveling daily from afar without compensation added to its challenges—but I knew what I had signed up for. As a first-generation student, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity, knowing that experiences like this could help bridge the gap in professional knowledge and connections that I didn’t inherit. Rather than focusing on what I couldn’t change, I chose to make the most of the experience. I gave 110% to my role, aiming to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and I tried to stay positive even when my environment wasn’t always supportive.
Early on, I noticed that many of my fellow interns had a different perspective. They focused on the frustration of 'free labor' and the unfairness of unpaid work. I completely understood where they came from, as those thoughts crossed my mind as well. But I often questioned, “Why not focus on making this experience valuable instead of resenting it?” While staying positive wasn’t always easy, I realized that I had control over my attitude and the effort I put in.
Finding Value in Every Experience:
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that every opportunity—paid or unpaid—has something to offer. By shifting my mindset, I recognized the hands-on experience I was gaining, the professional connections I was building, and the skills I was strengthening. These were things that would benefit me far beyond the duration of the internship. If I had let negativity consume me, I might have missed out on the growth that was happening right in front of me.
I also sought out small ways to make the situation more positive. I networked with professionals who offered me guidance, asked for additional tasks that would expand my skill set, and treated every assignment as an opportunity to learn. That mindset shift made a huge difference in how I approached my work.
The Power of Perspective:
Negativity can be contagious, but so can positivity. By focusing on what I could control—my attitude, my effort, and my ability to learn, I was able to turn what could have been a frustrating experience into a meaningful one. There were still tough days, but reminding myself of my long-term goals kept me grounded.
For anyone facing a difficult or unfair situation, I encourage you to ask yourself: What can I gain from this? How can I make this work for me? You might be surprised at how much power you have to shape your own experience.
For more information on The Chicago School's approach, please visit their website here.
