Are unpaid internships worth it?

I have a very definite opinion on this, but you should check with others in your specific field of interest.

Here's what I wrote on my blog: http://bit.ly/uBPf

I think you're probably better off doing something entrepreneurial with your summer in your field of interest--especially around content. Spend your summer writing two or three posts a day on a blog, interviewing professionals, writing your opinions on industry news, covering events, etc., for example. I think you'll learn more, especially if you network with other professionals to do it, then if you're stuck doing busywork.

Ask other people, though!

Do it, they might offer you a job afterwards!

I've had three consecutive internships and can say they've all been terrific. I don't view paid versus free internships to be a different category. Usually a "paid" internship means the company is giving some compensation but it's rarely the incentive to continue doing the work.

They keys to a good internship are having concrete tasks and goals, and also having good visibility to the higher level folks. Doing busy work all the time will not be fulfilling, but getting your hands dirty on a few projects will be terrific.

Try to gauge ahead of time what the expectations are for the type of work you'll be doing and also for how much time your "boss" will have to work with you.

In this environment free work is a good way to get your foot into a door that might otherwise be closed. Many companies use internships as a trial period for potential employees.

Absolutely! They often lead to job offers and contacts within the industry you are looking to break into. However, be wary of unpaid internships from shady "companies" that are basically looking for a free personal assistant. Reputable companies will only hire unpaid interns in exchange for college credit. In fact, most internships these days are unpaid.

If you can't get the paid internship, definitely seek unpaid experience. 1) The experience will help you figure out whether that's something you want to do 2) it will give you a more compelling story to tell in your next set of interview 3) they may hire you and you'll meet people who can open other doors for you later

check out this advice on this topic http://bit.ly/16CPYQ

It's always better to do something entreprenurial such as developing your own professional blog and writing compelling web content. Even an attempt at content monetization can be the route to developing an income stream later on. The issue about paid vs. unpaid work is what is your "value" to the world. If you have knowledge and skill, then don't give it away for free. Remember what mama used to say, "Nobody buys the cow when the milks is free".