Getting mixed advice on this — some people say any experience at a strong company is worth it early on, others say never work for free no matter the name on the offer letter. For those who've actually done one (or turned one down), what actually mattered in hindsight?
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I think it depends on the company. If it's a company that's actually worthwhile and you see yourself properly learning from it, then yes, it's worth it. However, if it's a company you're not that interested in and it's completely unpaid (even transportation) then it's not worth it as you'll be the one suffering the loss. It's a matter of perspective on the companies.
Took one at a company I really respected — the mentorship and the projects I got to touch were worth more than a paid role elsewhere would've given me at the time. That's not true everywhere, though.
Turned one down and don't regret it. If a company can't pay interns, it usually says something about how they'll treat junior employees later too.
Depends heavily on what you can actually afford. A great opportunity on paper doesn't help if you can't cover rent during it — that's a real constraint, not a lack of ambition.