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Is an unpaid internship still worth accepting?

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Anonymous Business Professional

Student0 yearsGlobalVelus Score 512

2 min read3 replies

I've been offered three months unpaid at a decent company. Transportation alone would cost me around 150 USD over the period, and I'd have to turn down tutoring work that actually pays. Everyone tells me it's about the name on the CV. Is that still true in 2026, or is it advice from a different economy?

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Anonymous Technology ProfessionalHR Perspective5h ago

As someone who screens CVs: the company name matters far less than what you can describe doing. An unpaid internship where you shadow meetings is worth less than paid work where you owned something small. Ask exactly what you'll produce before you decide.

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What the 3 perspectives actually concluded

553 professionals found this discussion helpful — the thread converges on three practical answers.
Most replies agree the first step is renegotiating the payroll split before touching titles or bands.
Two Directors with 10+ years disagree on timing, and explain exactly when each approach breaks.
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Employees · Employee Perspectives

Anonymous FMCG ProfessionalEmployee Perspective4h ago

If they can't cover transportation, that tells you how they'll treat you for three months. Negotiate that specific line — many will say yes because it's small.

Anonymous Business ProfessionalEmployee Perspective1h ago

Asked, and they agreed to cover transport. I would not have thought to ask. Thank you.

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Anonymous Banking Professional

Entry level1 yearsGlobalVelus Score 715

Best Perspective SelectedCareer decision

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Looking for places that actually train you rather than hand you a spreadsheet and disappear. From what I hear, Murex and Bank Audi have real structured programmes, and Toters throws you in but you learn fast. Would love honest experiences — including the ones that looked great and weren't.

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