For
purposes of understanding this piece better, it might make sense to
explain my role at Drexel first. Primarily, I am responsible for
developing jobs for Co-op students and graduating seniors in Business,
Engineering, IT, and Sport Management. However, the other major part of
my position entails working with Drexel Sport Management undergraduate
students to prepare them for their Co-op opportunities and their career
in the sports industry.
What
we have experienced as I’m sure most of you can attest to is that
Co-ops and internships in sports are rarely paid and when they are, they
are paid minimum wage (or with a stipend). For the most part, it is a
supply and demand situation. If you don’t want the unpaid or low-paying
job, there is a line out the door of people who will take the job. It
isn’t fair and for lack of a better reaction, it does stink, however, it
is what it is.
Much
like careers in movies, TV, and music, the sports industry is one that
is hard to break into because of the obscene amount of interest that
people have in working in these industries. In case you were wondering,
those that look for Co-ops and internships in those industries get paid
the same, less, or not at all as compaired to the sports industry. So
while it would be somewhat wrong of me to say be happy with that minimum wage-paying Co-op or internship in sports…be happy.
The
reason for that background has to do with conversations I have had with
students over the last three and a half years at Drexel. When students
take on unpaid or low-paying positions in sports, some of them feel
like they don’t need to give 100% (I’m not even asking for 110%!). I’ll
meet with a student who gets a poor evaluation or was even on the verge
of being fired during their experience and their rationale to me is,
“Well, I was unpaid so it isn’t a big deal. If I was getting paid, I
would’ve done better.” My response- that is the wrong attitude to have
and you have to understand the big picture. That reaction is very
short-sighted an very immature.
Whether
paid or unpaid, this is trial employment for the employer and
essentially a long-term interview. You aren’t just free (or cheap)
labor to them. Frankly, anyone can perform well when incentivized by
money but it is a true test of your character to impress when you are
intrinsically motivated.
Think of the potential non-monetary payoffs as:
· Skills that you acquired (hard and soft skills)
· Relationships that you developed and the network of contacts that you established
· A reference for future jobs at this or another potential future company
· A resume-builder which shows non-academic projects and responsibilities (real world, practical experience)
· Potentially higher starting salary than those who have not completed a Co-op or internship
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