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Internships can play a crucial role in helping students explore career paths, gain professional experience, and prepare for future opportunities. While some internships are paid, many are not, yet they can still provide valuable benefits both personally and professionally. Over the past summer, I had the opportunity to complete an unpaid internship, and it proved to be an incredibly meaningful experience.
I interned for Judge Wimes, a federal judge for the Western District of Missouri. Throughout this internship, I was able to shadow the judge and his clerks, learning more about their responsibilities. I gained valuable insight into the legal system and federal cases. One of the most beneficial aspects of this internship was observing the wide range of legal practices used by different lawyers. This helped me identify the areas of law that interest me most, as well as those I am less inclined to pursue.
Unpaid internships can also be a great addition to your resume and may lead to a paid position after graduation. For me, my unpaid internship was a strong addition to my law school application.
Another advantage of unpaid internships is the possibility of earning course credit. Mizzou offers several opportunities for students to receive academic credit for unpaid internships. However, it is important to check with your advisor to ensure that the credit will be accepted at Mizzou. For a full list of accepted courses, click here.
Unpaid internships can provide invaluable professional experience, strengthen your academic and career goals, and open doors for future opportunities. While they may not offer immediate financial rewards, the skills, knowledge, and connections you gain can make them well worth the investment.
By Sydney Waldron