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What to Look for in an Internship

Even though we're led to believe that internships are the key to successful careers, we're also wary of companies that take advantage of the free labor, relegating interns to coffee runs or leftover tasks that don't enhance professional development. Students, new graduates, or even professionals looking to change careers and gain experience in an unfamiliar field can avoid being taken advantage of if they know their rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For example, unpaid internships are legal under federal law, but only if it meets specific criteria, and too often companies play fast and loose with the details of an internship in attempts to qualify. Here's the best advice from employers and labor activists about what to look for in a company's internship program.

1. Be clear if the position is paid or unpaid

The FLSA requires employers to pay employees for their work, but what defines an "employee" from an "intern?" Officially, courts impose the "primary beneficiary test," which is a loose set of criteria that only defines the difference in terms of how the employer and the intern understand the position. Namely, if the internship provides more benefits to the employer in terms of labor, cost, and company services, then the intern must be regarded as an employee. Conversely, if the position provides professional training comparable to an educational environment, enhances (rather than inhibits) the intern's coursework, and both the employer and intern clearly understand that no paid job is promised at the end of the program, then (and only then) is it legal to not pay an intern. Additionally, if the company is a non-profit, then they're granted an exception and may count unpaid interns as volunteers

2. Look for positions relevant to your field

The point of an internship is to gain professional experience and training. Look for opportunities that have built-in support systems to provide hands-on experience in the field of your choice. Be clear about what duties will be expected of you in the position.

3. Ask about mentors

In addition to gaining experience, the goals of an internship include meeting mentors who are invested in your progress. Particularly strong programs allow interns to access higher level executives. This will not only help you network in your professional future, it will enhance your understanding of the field.

4. Be aware of time commitment and living costs

Since unpaid internships can't guarantee a paid position at the end of the program, pay attention to how long the internship lasts and if the time investment will be worth it. Be careful to consider if your lifestyle can be maintained for that duration of time. Even if the position is a paid opportunity of your dreams, like the Disney College Program, be clear if the internship is limited to one-semester or longer. For example, the Disney internship is only available to enrolled students, lasts one-semester, and requires an application fee as well as a housing fee.

5. Relocation

The last point is especially crucial if an internship requires relocation. Ideal opportunities are worth the sacrifices of time and even creature comforts, but they need to be feasible. If you're required to relocate, don't jump to apply unless you're reasonably certain you have the means and willingness to change your environment. Does the internship offer housing? Is there's a fee, how much is it? Does the program compensate transportation costs? Be certain you know the answers before you apply.

Internships are strong enhancements on resumes and can introduce you to a network of professionals to begin your new career. However, legalities and logistics are vital to work out before you apply to a program that could take advantage of your time, energy, and skills.

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Seven Side Hustles For Extra Cash

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Most of us aren't the best at saving money — splurging just feels so good and gives us that instant satisfaction we crave.

However, it's nothing to beat yourself up over — even though we put out articles to advise you on budgeting and finance, we know slip-ups happen.

And when they do, you're going to need some extra assistance to get yourself back on your feet. Rather than asking for money or — even worse — going to your parents, why not earn a little money on the side to boost yourself up?

Here are seven side hustles you can do this month to make ends meet:

1. Lock screen apps

Apps like Slidejoy or S'more will pay you to advertise on your phone — specifically, your lock screen. My experience with Slidejoy has been positive for the most part — I used to get an extra ten bucks a month just by having ads on my phone. Although the apps may be annoying at first, you'll eventually get used to it. Not customizing your phone won't seem so bad when you get some cash in your PayPal — no pain, no gain.

2. Do small tasks or jobs for people

Using websites like TaskRabbit or Fiverr will let you do errands or jobs for people that need it. Usually, pay is pretty low, but it can add up when you run several of these a day. There's no set price for TaskRabbit, but Fiverr usually ranges from five to ten dollars per task.

3. Online tutoring

Websites like Chegg or Tutor.com will offer an hourly rate for online tutors — if you have a certain degree or are well versed in a particular subject, go ahead and apply for a position. Online tutoring is super low committal, and you can pick and choose which jobs to take.

For Chegg, pay starts at around $20 an hour, but for other sites, you can set your own rate or choose a student based on theirs.

4. Paid language exchange

Tandem is a website that matches language tutors with students on your phone or tablet — students book their own appointments and pay you right on the app. Lessons are also prepaid, so no matter what, you'll get the money.

5. Freelance jobs

Websites like Upwork or writing sites like Skyword will hire freelancers to create content or work for other companies that require temporary workers. This method is a bit more in depth than others on this list but may be more rewarding if you stick it through.

6. Mobile games

Cash Show is an app that allows you to win money when you answer correct trivia questions — prizes are given three times a day and for a set amount, which is usually a couple thousand or so dollars. You have to answer 12 questions with ten seconds for each question. The cash prize is split among the winners of that round of trivia, so your winnings may start off slow at first. Other than that, it's a pretty fun way to earn some side money.

7. Instagram campaigns

We've all seen the rise of Instagram models and paid advertisements on the app — however, did you know you can participate too? With programs like Heartbeat, you can also become a brand ambassador and get paid to post pictures of various products.

When you sign up, they'll decide what your pay rate per post is along with what campaigns are available. You can sign up no matter how many followers you have, but your stats will affect how well you're paid.

If you do all of these ideas, you're bound to make some extra cash this month. I'd hurry up and do it fast — these side hustles might disappear if more and more people find out about them!

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6 hidden costs of working full time

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Employment is a fact of life. You need to work to have money. However, there are bills and costs that come with having a full-time job that you wouldn't necessarily pay if you were unemployed. The average employee spends about $3,000 a year on costs associated with their job. But what are these expenses?

1. Transportation

First up, you have to get to the office. In 2015, the average American spends 26.4 minutes getting to work. About thirty minutes on the road both ways. Usually, this means owning a car and paying for gas to cover the distance. Sometimes, employees pay for parking too. Car payments, vehicle maintenance and insurance are other bills associated with car ownership. In a big city or more populated area, you have the option of public transit. This can be cheaper, but can also result in longer commute times.

2. Child or pet care

So what happens at the house while you're at work all day? If you have children and/or pets, covering daycare and pet care will be another expense. And child care is a big expense for many families. About one-third of American parents say that the cost of child care has caused a financial problem for their household. It can get quite pricey. But unless you have other arrangements with family or helpful neighbors, this cost pretty much unavoidable.

3. Food

Meal times are often a social hour. Lunch is no exception. Americans on average eat out for lunch twice a week, paying about $10 each time. That's $936 annually. You can pack your own lunch and bring it to the office. But sitting alone at your desk or elsewhere isn't quite the same as eating out with coworkers. Additionally, working or networking lunches can't always be avoided.

4. Clothing

A professional environment requires professional clothing. You certainly can't walk into work in jeans and a t-shirt — unless your office has a relaxed dress code. This means you'll have to buy a work wardrobe. The average family spends $1,700 on clothes each year. Additionally, you'll probably need to buy new outfits as fashion trends change to maintain your professional image. You can often buy more affordable clothing over luxury brands. But this is pretty much an unavoidable expense.

5. Pay-in benefits

With full-time employment often comes benefits — health insurance, retirement accounts, the works. These are perks of the job, but also come with their own costs. Insurance premiums are often worth it for the coverage provided. And paying into a 401k will set up your financial future, especially if your employer matches your contributions.

6. Travel or relocation

If your job requires travel, you'll probably get paid back for any expenses incurred. But waiting for that money to be returned can often be a hassle. Any personal expenses (usually food) incurred while traveling are often not reimbursed at all. Another hefty expense could be relocation. Let's say you're switching branches to work in a new city or starting a new job entirely. Not many employers these days will cover the cost of relocation. All those moving expenses have to come out of your pocket.

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