They Don't Teach Corporate in College by Alexandra Levit Read Free Book Online Page A

employer must derive “no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern,” and the intern must not “displace regular employees, but (work) under close supervision of existing staff.” In addition, the internship must be “similar to training which would be given in an educational environment.”
    That said, the protocol for non-profit organizations, small businesses, and consultants is far less clear, and working for free in these organizations may be a viable option for you. When deciding whether or not to work for no pay, you should first determine if you can afford it. What is your family’s financial situation, and are you gainfully employed in another role? It’s also smart to assess—specifically—how each position will deliver value in terms of your long-term prospects. Don’t be afraid to ask the person with whom you are working for free. Contrary to what some believe, most people are not interested in exploiting workers and will be open to discussions about what’s in it for you.
    The proposed time commitment is an important factor too. Those who are employed should not devote more than 20 to 25 hours a week to an unpaid gig, or they risk burning out or short-changing the job that pays the bills.
    If you have limited experience in the field, the person watching over your work during an unpaid gig may play it safe by giving you small tasks. Don’t let her. Get involved with as many large, complex projects as possible, and jump at the opportunity to challenge yourself, master new skills, and be exposed to people who perform a variety of roles.
    When the end of your volunteer stint draws near, think about whether you want to pursue a full-time, paid opportunity in the new field or with thecontacts you’ve made. If nothing arises right away, actively keep in touch with the people you’ve met through email, social networks, or, even better, occasional in-person get-togethers.
Should You Hire a Career Coach?
    Twenty-somethings ask me all the time if they should get a career coach. Usually this comes at a time when their job search is taking longer than they anticipated and they are starting to wonder if they are doing the right things.
    My answer is usually that it can’t hurt, but coaches cost money, so if you are going to hire someone you should get as much out of it as possible. Ask around for a referral or find one through the International Coach Federation (coachfederation.org). Before you sign on, review the best coaching practices on the ICF’s Website to ensure that your coach is qualified and that you know what to expect from the process. Interview your prospective coach or ask for a trial session first so that you can determine if he is someone with whom you feel comfortable and challenged.
    Give coaching the time and attention it deserves, and set concrete goals with your coach as quickly as possible so that you can begin feeling a sense of accomplishment. Don’t shy away from discomfort, and keep the lines of communication open so that your coach can help you work through emotional roadblocks that may arise.
    As the majority of coaching engagements last between six and 12 months, you and your coach should work together to determine an appropriate end point. If a coach has done her job well, then you won’t be dependent on her and will be able to continue working effectively on your own.
Breaking Your Dependence on Your Parents
    Back when I graduated from college, it was a sin—and an utter sign of failure—to move back in with the ’rents. But the times, they are a-changin’.
    Thanks to last decade’s recession, college students started moving back in with their parents in record numbers. According to various studies, the number of 18- to 34-year-olds currently living at home hovers around 40 percent.
    Look, I’m not going to tell you to move out immediately if your financial situation is dire, but