Internships: Paid or Unpaid?

When you’re in college your professors always tell you take an internship, whether it’s paid or unpaid. But how many students really want to take an unpaid internship? Some people say that there are really good benefits to taking an unpaid internship versus a paid internship. I have had both and the benefits were similar but yet different. During one of my unpaid internships at a local television station I learned a lot about how the entire station works and how each department interacts with the other. Since the internship was unpaid I was able to work more hours and really get some hands on experience in the field of communications. The next semester I ended up with a paid internship at another television station, in which I learned even more about the industry. On occasion, there would be stories and events that would take place after my scheduled work time and I was unable to attend because I was considered a paid employee and every hour I worked was recorded. If I went over my allotted hours before the semester ended, I would have to explain why my internship didn’t last as long as it was supposed to. But those were just two of my experiences. There are some companies that will offer unpaid internships to students who can receive college credit for their internship. While other companies do not give students college credit but will in return issue them a stipend. Every once in a while you will come across a company/organization will give you college credit and a stipend for being their intern. Do you see any differences in taking a paid internship versus an unpaid internship? Does the amount of money help you determine whether or not you will take an internship?