Laid Off? Business Closed? Go from Ow to Wow
If you’ve been laid off or you have had to close your business, and you’re sitting at home waiting for the “interview call” that never comes, I’ve got a better suggestion for you. Go in for some continuing education - get an internship.
An Internship? Yes, Really.
Yeah, I know, the word “intern” conjures up some wet-behind-the-ears kid who just graduated college and needs some life experience. Well, in today’s economy, internships are not just for the young anymore. They are for the young-at-heart, as well.
For the most part, internships are unpaid or offer a very, very low wage, which can sound depressing when the bills are mounting up. However, you might think about it this way: you normally have to pay for college, but you don’t have to pay for an internships. It’s a free education. You can learn new skills, maybe bridge your technology gap, for free. Not bad. In this economy, anything free is good.
New York City In the Lead for Internships
New York City is leading the charge with internships, especially for those laid off from the financial sector. Two programs in NYC, Fastrac and JumpStart NYC, are both targeting the unemployed in the financial sector by either offering free training or helping them start new businesses. JumpStart NYC puts interns through a boot camp, and then gives graduates a 10-week unpaid internship with a startup company. Nothing like doing “senior year” all over again, right?
For women, there is a program called Women on the Web, or wowOwow.com. This program, started by Joni Evans, targets women over 40 who have been laid off, or whose spouses have been laid off. The program has so far offered 30 women “crash course in editing and Web technology skills.”
Age is a Good Thing for Internships
If you think that internship might be the right move for you, don’t worry if you aren’t a spring chicken. These days, companies look favorably upon “mature” interns. Your work experience will be valued, and most corporate HR departments consider older interns far more reliable and responsible.
Before you take an internship position, be clear about what you want to get out of the position. Know that the internship will likely not turn into a paid position, but you will learn some valuable new skills. Be sure to set a timeframe for your internship, with 3 months being a typical average. Finally, pick an internship where you can learn skills that suit your personality and interests. Most of all, enjoy!
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Photo credit: Store Closed
