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Unpaid CS internship: am I being screwed over? [closed]
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I'm currently doing an unpaid "software engineering" internship in the UK and I'm extremely disappointed. I went in with the expectation that I would be working in a team, have regular code reviews, and work on something that mattered even remotely to the company.
Turns out none of those things happened. I'm the sole software engineer working on coding up an image recognition app and wiring up REST apis and doing all the testing.
As fun as the project is, I don't feel like I'm making any growth. I've done this kind of stuff before and so I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced. So it was a bit of a surprise when I found out my supervisor barely knew anything about ML, short of the superficial hype. To boot, the motivation behind doing the project is...unsatisfying: if the project was at all important, why am I, a lowly unpaid intern, the only one working on it?
Granted, this is an unpaid internship, so my initial expectations might have been a little too much but...how do I deal with this anyway?
EDIT: I'm a rising second-year student. The internship lasts for about 1.5 months and I'm halfway through. As for the ideal outcome, I'd like to have my initial expectations met, but that's going to be a stretch. I'm new to all this, so I don't know, but this feels a lot like grunt work and it'd be nice to have some recognition at the very least...
software-industry internship united-kingdom software-development
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
closed as off-topic by gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan Sep 1 at 6:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions require a goal that we can address. Rather than explaining the difficulties of your situation, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, see this meta post." – gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan
add a comment |Â
up vote
45
down vote
favorite
I'm currently doing an unpaid "software engineering" internship in the UK and I'm extremely disappointed. I went in with the expectation that I would be working in a team, have regular code reviews, and work on something that mattered even remotely to the company.
Turns out none of those things happened. I'm the sole software engineer working on coding up an image recognition app and wiring up REST apis and doing all the testing.
As fun as the project is, I don't feel like I'm making any growth. I've done this kind of stuff before and so I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced. So it was a bit of a surprise when I found out my supervisor barely knew anything about ML, short of the superficial hype. To boot, the motivation behind doing the project is...unsatisfying: if the project was at all important, why am I, a lowly unpaid intern, the only one working on it?
Granted, this is an unpaid internship, so my initial expectations might have been a little too much but...how do I deal with this anyway?
EDIT: I'm a rising second-year student. The internship lasts for about 1.5 months and I'm halfway through. As for the ideal outcome, I'd like to have my initial expectations met, but that's going to be a stretch. I'm new to all this, so I don't know, but this feels a lot like grunt work and it'd be nice to have some recognition at the very least...
software-industry internship united-kingdom software-development
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
closed as off-topic by gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan Sep 1 at 6:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions require a goal that we can address. Rather than explaining the difficulties of your situation, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, see this meta post." – gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan
1
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12
add a comment |Â
up vote
45
down vote
favorite
up vote
45
down vote
favorite
I'm currently doing an unpaid "software engineering" internship in the UK and I'm extremely disappointed. I went in with the expectation that I would be working in a team, have regular code reviews, and work on something that mattered even remotely to the company.
Turns out none of those things happened. I'm the sole software engineer working on coding up an image recognition app and wiring up REST apis and doing all the testing.
As fun as the project is, I don't feel like I'm making any growth. I've done this kind of stuff before and so I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced. So it was a bit of a surprise when I found out my supervisor barely knew anything about ML, short of the superficial hype. To boot, the motivation behind doing the project is...unsatisfying: if the project was at all important, why am I, a lowly unpaid intern, the only one working on it?
Granted, this is an unpaid internship, so my initial expectations might have been a little too much but...how do I deal with this anyway?
EDIT: I'm a rising second-year student. The internship lasts for about 1.5 months and I'm halfway through. As for the ideal outcome, I'd like to have my initial expectations met, but that's going to be a stretch. I'm new to all this, so I don't know, but this feels a lot like grunt work and it'd be nice to have some recognition at the very least...
software-industry internship united-kingdom software-development
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
I'm currently doing an unpaid "software engineering" internship in the UK and I'm extremely disappointed. I went in with the expectation that I would be working in a team, have regular code reviews, and work on something that mattered even remotely to the company.
Turns out none of those things happened. I'm the sole software engineer working on coding up an image recognition app and wiring up REST apis and doing all the testing.
As fun as the project is, I don't feel like I'm making any growth. I've done this kind of stuff before and so I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced. So it was a bit of a surprise when I found out my supervisor barely knew anything about ML, short of the superficial hype. To boot, the motivation behind doing the project is...unsatisfying: if the project was at all important, why am I, a lowly unpaid intern, the only one working on it?
Granted, this is an unpaid internship, so my initial expectations might have been a little too much but...how do I deal with this anyway?
EDIT: I'm a rising second-year student. The internship lasts for about 1.5 months and I'm halfway through. As for the ideal outcome, I'd like to have my initial expectations met, but that's going to be a stretch. I'm new to all this, so I don't know, but this feels a lot like grunt work and it'd be nice to have some recognition at the very least...
software-industry internship united-kingdom software-development
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
edited Aug 31 at 22:20
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
asked Aug 31 at 9:14
nz_21
34236
34236
closed as off-topic by gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan Sep 1 at 6:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions require a goal that we can address. Rather than explaining the difficulties of your situation, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, see this meta post." – gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan
closed as off-topic by gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan Sep 1 at 6:20
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions require a goal that we can address. Rather than explaining the difficulties of your situation, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, see this meta post." – gnat, Philipp, IDrinkandIKnowThings, Mister Positive, OldPadawan
1
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12
add a comment |Â
1
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12
1
1
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12
add a comment |Â
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
up vote
114
down vote
You are being used, get out.
Development companies have enough money to pay for interns that are just studying.
You are actually working for free.
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
22
down vote
I can understand how you feel, since I was in the same situation myself a while ago. I'll give you my two cents hoping you'll find them useful.
The productive way to deal with this is trying to patch up the project decently, so you'll acquire some skills to use later on and have something to add to your CV/resume.
One month and half of internship is already very short time, and if you're not in a team, it's unlikely you'll ever be introduced to one halfway through.
Try to speak with your supervisor to understand what are his expectations about the project, if they match with yours, and what will happen if you eventually won't be able to meet them (being the only one working on the software).
I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced
From your description of the workplace, this isn't probably going to happen. It seems that the only senior you have available is your mentor, so, even if he's not knowledgeable on ML, you could try to learn from him in other aspects of his work.
And if you keep losing motivation and making no progress, just go.
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
An internship is supposed to be a two-way street, where everyone involved benefits.
The employer benefits, obviously, by getting a certain amount of work done for free (or below market cost), with the understanding that the quality of work may be less than what an experienced and trained professional would provide. A side benefit is that you might like the company so much that you decide to stay on as a FTE, reducing their recruiting expenses. However, they are expected to provide guidance and mentoring. This is their number one responsibility.
The intern benefits by gaining real-world experience, which is generally quite different than what you learn in school. You get something to put on your CV. And in addition to the subject matter, you are also learning to navigate the business world, and might make some contacts that will be beneficial in the future (networking). And you have the same side benefit: you might decide to stay on.
But it sounds like the employer is not keeping their end of the bargain. If you're not learning anything, and you're not getting paid, there's not much in it for you. Thank them for the opportunity, and find another place to work (hopefully one that provides a paycheck).
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
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up vote
9
down vote
Is this a work placement as a part of your schooling or degree, or is it just something you're doing by your own choice during the summer vacation?
If it's a part of your course, you should talk to whoever arranges the internships in your university department, and to your line manager in the company. Explain to them that the internship isn't meeting the educational goals that it's supposed to.
If it's just something you're doing by your own choice, then the arrangement looks illegal to me, though I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on TV. The UK government has guidance on employment rights and pay for interns. You almost certainly qualify as a "worker" and possibly even an "employee". As such, you are entitled to the minimum wage, and that is more than zero.
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
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up vote
3
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Sight unseen I was about to answer "Yes you're being screwed over." Unpaid internships in software engineering are almost never a good idea. Tech companies will and should pay you (and in most cases this is required by law).
However, since you're half way though a short project I recommend you stay and maximize the amount you learn from the experience: You can learn valuable things by wrapping the project up.
- How to operate in an office environment
- How to interact with management and peers
- How to communicate your progress
- How to document your work
- How to work with ticketing systems
Finish the project, document it, hand it off and next time get a paid role. The successful completion WILL put you ahead of your peers. The way I see it leaving now wastes the 3 weeks you've put in. Seeing it through allows you to chalk up a successful finished project.
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
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up vote
2
down vote
Ask for a paid internship, a freelance or half / full time position (possibly just for the project or a certain time frame)
Lay out your concerns and what has been said here as arguments for being remunerated.
If they don't want to pay you, thank them for the opportunity, emphasize that you unfortunately can't work for free and leave.
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'd say it somewhat matters what kind of internship.
Is this organized through any level of education ? If so, talk to whoever your mentor is on that side, to ask them whether your current treatment is normal. In this situation, you might have something to lose, which could be study credit.
If not, you have nothing to lose, and I'd tell them to either provide guidance as befits an intern or salary as befits an employee. There's no reason to work for nothing, and as software engineers are currently in high demand, they don't really have a choice anyway. If they aren't willing to treat you decently, it's not hard to find another company that will.
Do read your contract about it, though, if you signed anything. If you didn't sign anything, just tell them your intentions and have them pick an option. If your name isn't on a piece of paper, you can just walk away without them having any options. It's not the nice thing to do, but it's better than getting walked over.
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
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up vote
1
down vote
If you feel screwed over, it does not even matter what the "truth" is - there might be thoughtlessness on the side of the company leaders, assuming it is ok because you do not seriously complain, or there might be malice, or there might be company internal politics involved (eg somebody is given a budget for equipment but none for personnel).
The thing is, YOU are unsatisfied and feel screwed over, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. Time to go for a "nothing to lose" mindset - ask for change, if none happens, leave.
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
add a comment |Â
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
114
down vote
You are being used, get out.
Development companies have enough money to pay for interns that are just studying.
You are actually working for free.
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
114
down vote
You are being used, get out.
Development companies have enough money to pay for interns that are just studying.
You are actually working for free.
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
114
down vote
up vote
114
down vote
You are being used, get out.
Development companies have enough money to pay for interns that are just studying.
You are actually working for free.
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
You are being used, get out.
Development companies have enough money to pay for interns that are just studying.
You are actually working for free.
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
answered Aug 31 at 12:04
Greenmachine
1,0442513
1,0442513
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
 |Â
show 5 more comments
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
58
58
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
+1 Not to mention OP is the /sole/ person developing things. That alone should be a red flag!
– Robert Dundon
Aug 31 at 14:27
9
9
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
I completely agree this is what would be the right choice but in reality its not always an option. Places want experience if you want a job and sometimes the only way to get that experience is to work for free. Its not a good practice but its the way it is. Its a crappy situation to be in but since its only ~6 week internship and being 3 weeks in he might as well stick it out in my opinion.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:31
9
9
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
@maxathousand I again would say yes. Rather than working at home doing your own project, you are showing that you are able to work on a job (thats maybe not 100% in your interests/skills) and being successful. It also will provide him with a possible reference.
– imdannyboy909
Aug 31 at 14:44
14
14
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
The purpose of an internship is to teach the intern, not to get free labour. The intern should be the one who benefits, not the company. If you are not learning anything, move on.
– B540Glenn
Aug 31 at 15:21
11
11
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
@imdannyboy909 in software I can assure you that working for free is not necessary or normal - there are many, many places that will pay you fairly for your internship and teach you useful things to boot.
– walrus
Aug 31 at 15:30
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
22
down vote
I can understand how you feel, since I was in the same situation myself a while ago. I'll give you my two cents hoping you'll find them useful.
The productive way to deal with this is trying to patch up the project decently, so you'll acquire some skills to use later on and have something to add to your CV/resume.
One month and half of internship is already very short time, and if you're not in a team, it's unlikely you'll ever be introduced to one halfway through.
Try to speak with your supervisor to understand what are his expectations about the project, if they match with yours, and what will happen if you eventually won't be able to meet them (being the only one working on the software).
I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced
From your description of the workplace, this isn't probably going to happen. It seems that the only senior you have available is your mentor, so, even if he's not knowledgeable on ML, you could try to learn from him in other aspects of his work.
And if you keep losing motivation and making no progress, just go.
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
add a comment |Â
up vote
22
down vote
I can understand how you feel, since I was in the same situation myself a while ago. I'll give you my two cents hoping you'll find them useful.
The productive way to deal with this is trying to patch up the project decently, so you'll acquire some skills to use later on and have something to add to your CV/resume.
One month and half of internship is already very short time, and if you're not in a team, it's unlikely you'll ever be introduced to one halfway through.
Try to speak with your supervisor to understand what are his expectations about the project, if they match with yours, and what will happen if you eventually won't be able to meet them (being the only one working on the software).
I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced
From your description of the workplace, this isn't probably going to happen. It seems that the only senior you have available is your mentor, so, even if he's not knowledgeable on ML, you could try to learn from him in other aspects of his work.
And if you keep losing motivation and making no progress, just go.
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
add a comment |Â
up vote
22
down vote
up vote
22
down vote
I can understand how you feel, since I was in the same situation myself a while ago. I'll give you my two cents hoping you'll find them useful.
The productive way to deal with this is trying to patch up the project decently, so you'll acquire some skills to use later on and have something to add to your CV/resume.
One month and half of internship is already very short time, and if you're not in a team, it's unlikely you'll ever be introduced to one halfway through.
Try to speak with your supervisor to understand what are his expectations about the project, if they match with yours, and what will happen if you eventually won't be able to meet them (being the only one working on the software).
I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced
From your description of the workplace, this isn't probably going to happen. It seems that the only senior you have available is your mentor, so, even if he's not knowledgeable on ML, you could try to learn from him in other aspects of his work.
And if you keep losing motivation and making no progress, just go.
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
I can understand how you feel, since I was in the same situation myself a while ago. I'll give you my two cents hoping you'll find them useful.
The productive way to deal with this is trying to patch up the project decently, so you'll acquire some skills to use later on and have something to add to your CV/resume.
One month and half of internship is already very short time, and if you're not in a team, it's unlikely you'll ever be introduced to one halfway through.
Try to speak with your supervisor to understand what are his expectations about the project, if they match with yours, and what will happen if you eventually won't be able to meet them (being the only one working on the software).
I was really looking forward to having my skills bettered by someone more experienced
From your description of the workplace, this isn't probably going to happen. It seems that the only senior you have available is your mentor, so, even if he's not knowledgeable on ML, you could try to learn from him in other aspects of his work.
And if you keep losing motivation and making no progress, just go.
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
edited Aug 31 at 14:03
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
answered Aug 31 at 11:06
Liquid
573114
573114
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
add a comment |Â
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
7
7
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
If you can't learn from your "mentor," you can spend your time at the office learning about ML or whatever topics you were hoping to learn about. Find some excuse to incorporate them into the project. It will slow the project down, but what do they want for free?
– stannius
Aug 31 at 16:10
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
An internship is supposed to be a two-way street, where everyone involved benefits.
The employer benefits, obviously, by getting a certain amount of work done for free (or below market cost), with the understanding that the quality of work may be less than what an experienced and trained professional would provide. A side benefit is that you might like the company so much that you decide to stay on as a FTE, reducing their recruiting expenses. However, they are expected to provide guidance and mentoring. This is their number one responsibility.
The intern benefits by gaining real-world experience, which is generally quite different than what you learn in school. You get something to put on your CV. And in addition to the subject matter, you are also learning to navigate the business world, and might make some contacts that will be beneficial in the future (networking). And you have the same side benefit: you might decide to stay on.
But it sounds like the employer is not keeping their end of the bargain. If you're not learning anything, and you're not getting paid, there's not much in it for you. Thank them for the opportunity, and find another place to work (hopefully one that provides a paycheck).
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
An internship is supposed to be a two-way street, where everyone involved benefits.
The employer benefits, obviously, by getting a certain amount of work done for free (or below market cost), with the understanding that the quality of work may be less than what an experienced and trained professional would provide. A side benefit is that you might like the company so much that you decide to stay on as a FTE, reducing their recruiting expenses. However, they are expected to provide guidance and mentoring. This is their number one responsibility.
The intern benefits by gaining real-world experience, which is generally quite different than what you learn in school. You get something to put on your CV. And in addition to the subject matter, you are also learning to navigate the business world, and might make some contacts that will be beneficial in the future (networking). And you have the same side benefit: you might decide to stay on.
But it sounds like the employer is not keeping their end of the bargain. If you're not learning anything, and you're not getting paid, there's not much in it for you. Thank them for the opportunity, and find another place to work (hopefully one that provides a paycheck).
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
up vote
18
down vote
An internship is supposed to be a two-way street, where everyone involved benefits.
The employer benefits, obviously, by getting a certain amount of work done for free (or below market cost), with the understanding that the quality of work may be less than what an experienced and trained professional would provide. A side benefit is that you might like the company so much that you decide to stay on as a FTE, reducing their recruiting expenses. However, they are expected to provide guidance and mentoring. This is their number one responsibility.
The intern benefits by gaining real-world experience, which is generally quite different than what you learn in school. You get something to put on your CV. And in addition to the subject matter, you are also learning to navigate the business world, and might make some contacts that will be beneficial in the future (networking). And you have the same side benefit: you might decide to stay on.
But it sounds like the employer is not keeping their end of the bargain. If you're not learning anything, and you're not getting paid, there's not much in it for you. Thank them for the opportunity, and find another place to work (hopefully one that provides a paycheck).
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
An internship is supposed to be a two-way street, where everyone involved benefits.
The employer benefits, obviously, by getting a certain amount of work done for free (or below market cost), with the understanding that the quality of work may be less than what an experienced and trained professional would provide. A side benefit is that you might like the company so much that you decide to stay on as a FTE, reducing their recruiting expenses. However, they are expected to provide guidance and mentoring. This is their number one responsibility.
The intern benefits by gaining real-world experience, which is generally quite different than what you learn in school. You get something to put on your CV. And in addition to the subject matter, you are also learning to navigate the business world, and might make some contacts that will be beneficial in the future (networking). And you have the same side benefit: you might decide to stay on.
But it sounds like the employer is not keeping their end of the bargain. If you're not learning anything, and you're not getting paid, there's not much in it for you. Thank them for the opportunity, and find another place to work (hopefully one that provides a paycheck).
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
answered Aug 31 at 13:15
Mike Harris
597111
597111
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
Is this a work placement as a part of your schooling or degree, or is it just something you're doing by your own choice during the summer vacation?
If it's a part of your course, you should talk to whoever arranges the internships in your university department, and to your line manager in the company. Explain to them that the internship isn't meeting the educational goals that it's supposed to.
If it's just something you're doing by your own choice, then the arrangement looks illegal to me, though I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on TV. The UK government has guidance on employment rights and pay for interns. You almost certainly qualify as a "worker" and possibly even an "employee". As such, you are entitled to the minimum wage, and that is more than zero.
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
Is this a work placement as a part of your schooling or degree, or is it just something you're doing by your own choice during the summer vacation?
If it's a part of your course, you should talk to whoever arranges the internships in your university department, and to your line manager in the company. Explain to them that the internship isn't meeting the educational goals that it's supposed to.
If it's just something you're doing by your own choice, then the arrangement looks illegal to me, though I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on TV. The UK government has guidance on employment rights and pay for interns. You almost certainly qualify as a "worker" and possibly even an "employee". As such, you are entitled to the minimum wage, and that is more than zero.
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
Is this a work placement as a part of your schooling or degree, or is it just something you're doing by your own choice during the summer vacation?
If it's a part of your course, you should talk to whoever arranges the internships in your university department, and to your line manager in the company. Explain to them that the internship isn't meeting the educational goals that it's supposed to.
If it's just something you're doing by your own choice, then the arrangement looks illegal to me, though I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on TV. The UK government has guidance on employment rights and pay for interns. You almost certainly qualify as a "worker" and possibly even an "employee". As such, you are entitled to the minimum wage, and that is more than zero.
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
Is this a work placement as a part of your schooling or degree, or is it just something you're doing by your own choice during the summer vacation?
If it's a part of your course, you should talk to whoever arranges the internships in your university department, and to your line manager in the company. Explain to them that the internship isn't meeting the educational goals that it's supposed to.
If it's just something you're doing by your own choice, then the arrangement looks illegal to me, though I'm not a lawyer and I don't even play one on TV. The UK government has guidance on employment rights and pay for interns. You almost certainly qualify as a "worker" and possibly even an "employee". As such, you are entitled to the minimum wage, and that is more than zero.
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
answered Aug 31 at 15:48
David Richerby
1,2891019
1,2891019
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Sight unseen I was about to answer "Yes you're being screwed over." Unpaid internships in software engineering are almost never a good idea. Tech companies will and should pay you (and in most cases this is required by law).
However, since you're half way though a short project I recommend you stay and maximize the amount you learn from the experience: You can learn valuable things by wrapping the project up.
- How to operate in an office environment
- How to interact with management and peers
- How to communicate your progress
- How to document your work
- How to work with ticketing systems
Finish the project, document it, hand it off and next time get a paid role. The successful completion WILL put you ahead of your peers. The way I see it leaving now wastes the 3 weeks you've put in. Seeing it through allows you to chalk up a successful finished project.
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Sight unseen I was about to answer "Yes you're being screwed over." Unpaid internships in software engineering are almost never a good idea. Tech companies will and should pay you (and in most cases this is required by law).
However, since you're half way though a short project I recommend you stay and maximize the amount you learn from the experience: You can learn valuable things by wrapping the project up.
- How to operate in an office environment
- How to interact with management and peers
- How to communicate your progress
- How to document your work
- How to work with ticketing systems
Finish the project, document it, hand it off and next time get a paid role. The successful completion WILL put you ahead of your peers. The way I see it leaving now wastes the 3 weeks you've put in. Seeing it through allows you to chalk up a successful finished project.
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Sight unseen I was about to answer "Yes you're being screwed over." Unpaid internships in software engineering are almost never a good idea. Tech companies will and should pay you (and in most cases this is required by law).
However, since you're half way though a short project I recommend you stay and maximize the amount you learn from the experience: You can learn valuable things by wrapping the project up.
- How to operate in an office environment
- How to interact with management and peers
- How to communicate your progress
- How to document your work
- How to work with ticketing systems
Finish the project, document it, hand it off and next time get a paid role. The successful completion WILL put you ahead of your peers. The way I see it leaving now wastes the 3 weeks you've put in. Seeing it through allows you to chalk up a successful finished project.
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
Sight unseen I was about to answer "Yes you're being screwed over." Unpaid internships in software engineering are almost never a good idea. Tech companies will and should pay you (and in most cases this is required by law).
However, since you're half way though a short project I recommend you stay and maximize the amount you learn from the experience: You can learn valuable things by wrapping the project up.
- How to operate in an office environment
- How to interact with management and peers
- How to communicate your progress
- How to document your work
- How to work with ticketing systems
Finish the project, document it, hand it off and next time get a paid role. The successful completion WILL put you ahead of your peers. The way I see it leaving now wastes the 3 weeks you've put in. Seeing it through allows you to chalk up a successful finished project.
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
answered Aug 31 at 23:26
jorfus
52825
52825
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Ask for a paid internship, a freelance or half / full time position (possibly just for the project or a certain time frame)
Lay out your concerns and what has been said here as arguments for being remunerated.
If they don't want to pay you, thank them for the opportunity, emphasize that you unfortunately can't work for free and leave.
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Ask for a paid internship, a freelance or half / full time position (possibly just for the project or a certain time frame)
Lay out your concerns and what has been said here as arguments for being remunerated.
If they don't want to pay you, thank them for the opportunity, emphasize that you unfortunately can't work for free and leave.
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Ask for a paid internship, a freelance or half / full time position (possibly just for the project or a certain time frame)
Lay out your concerns and what has been said here as arguments for being remunerated.
If they don't want to pay you, thank them for the opportunity, emphasize that you unfortunately can't work for free and leave.
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
Ask for a paid internship, a freelance or half / full time position (possibly just for the project or a certain time frame)
Lay out your concerns and what has been said here as arguments for being remunerated.
If they don't want to pay you, thank them for the opportunity, emphasize that you unfortunately can't work for free and leave.
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
answered Aug 31 at 14:26
DigitalBlade969
2,1551314
2,1551314
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'd say it somewhat matters what kind of internship.
Is this organized through any level of education ? If so, talk to whoever your mentor is on that side, to ask them whether your current treatment is normal. In this situation, you might have something to lose, which could be study credit.
If not, you have nothing to lose, and I'd tell them to either provide guidance as befits an intern or salary as befits an employee. There's no reason to work for nothing, and as software engineers are currently in high demand, they don't really have a choice anyway. If they aren't willing to treat you decently, it's not hard to find another company that will.
Do read your contract about it, though, if you signed anything. If you didn't sign anything, just tell them your intentions and have them pick an option. If your name isn't on a piece of paper, you can just walk away without them having any options. It's not the nice thing to do, but it's better than getting walked over.
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'd say it somewhat matters what kind of internship.
Is this organized through any level of education ? If so, talk to whoever your mentor is on that side, to ask them whether your current treatment is normal. In this situation, you might have something to lose, which could be study credit.
If not, you have nothing to lose, and I'd tell them to either provide guidance as befits an intern or salary as befits an employee. There's no reason to work for nothing, and as software engineers are currently in high demand, they don't really have a choice anyway. If they aren't willing to treat you decently, it's not hard to find another company that will.
Do read your contract about it, though, if you signed anything. If you didn't sign anything, just tell them your intentions and have them pick an option. If your name isn't on a piece of paper, you can just walk away without them having any options. It's not the nice thing to do, but it's better than getting walked over.
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I'd say it somewhat matters what kind of internship.
Is this organized through any level of education ? If so, talk to whoever your mentor is on that side, to ask them whether your current treatment is normal. In this situation, you might have something to lose, which could be study credit.
If not, you have nothing to lose, and I'd tell them to either provide guidance as befits an intern or salary as befits an employee. There's no reason to work for nothing, and as software engineers are currently in high demand, they don't really have a choice anyway. If they aren't willing to treat you decently, it's not hard to find another company that will.
Do read your contract about it, though, if you signed anything. If you didn't sign anything, just tell them your intentions and have them pick an option. If your name isn't on a piece of paper, you can just walk away without them having any options. It's not the nice thing to do, but it's better than getting walked over.
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
I'd say it somewhat matters what kind of internship.
Is this organized through any level of education ? If so, talk to whoever your mentor is on that side, to ask them whether your current treatment is normal. In this situation, you might have something to lose, which could be study credit.
If not, you have nothing to lose, and I'd tell them to either provide guidance as befits an intern or salary as befits an employee. There's no reason to work for nothing, and as software engineers are currently in high demand, they don't really have a choice anyway. If they aren't willing to treat you decently, it's not hard to find another company that will.
Do read your contract about it, though, if you signed anything. If you didn't sign anything, just tell them your intentions and have them pick an option. If your name isn't on a piece of paper, you can just walk away without them having any options. It's not the nice thing to do, but it's better than getting walked over.
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
answered Aug 31 at 14:57
Jacco van Dorp
1292
1292
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you feel screwed over, it does not even matter what the "truth" is - there might be thoughtlessness on the side of the company leaders, assuming it is ok because you do not seriously complain, or there might be malice, or there might be company internal politics involved (eg somebody is given a budget for equipment but none for personnel).
The thing is, YOU are unsatisfied and feel screwed over, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. Time to go for a "nothing to lose" mindset - ask for change, if none happens, leave.
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If you feel screwed over, it does not even matter what the "truth" is - there might be thoughtlessness on the side of the company leaders, assuming it is ok because you do not seriously complain, or there might be malice, or there might be company internal politics involved (eg somebody is given a budget for equipment but none for personnel).
The thing is, YOU are unsatisfied and feel screwed over, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. Time to go for a "nothing to lose" mindset - ask for change, if none happens, leave.
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If you feel screwed over, it does not even matter what the "truth" is - there might be thoughtlessness on the side of the company leaders, assuming it is ok because you do not seriously complain, or there might be malice, or there might be company internal politics involved (eg somebody is given a budget for equipment but none for personnel).
The thing is, YOU are unsatisfied and feel screwed over, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. Time to go for a "nothing to lose" mindset - ask for change, if none happens, leave.
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
If you feel screwed over, it does not even matter what the "truth" is - there might be thoughtlessness on the side of the company leaders, assuming it is ok because you do not seriously complain, or there might be malice, or there might be company internal politics involved (eg somebody is given a budget for equipment but none for personnel).
The thing is, YOU are unsatisfied and feel screwed over, otherwise you wouldn't be asking. Time to go for a "nothing to lose" mindset - ask for change, if none happens, leave.
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
answered Aug 31 at 22:49
rackandboneman
41125
41125
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
1
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– Jane S♦
Sep 1 at 5:12