Where did you see your life at 40? Whether you pictured yourself married with kids and a minivan or with a successful finance job and a beach house, we’re pretty sure you didn’t dream of being an intern after a couple of decades in the workforce. Even though the 40-year-old intern sounds like the title of a comedy, internships for older folks are actually becoming more common in the working world. Remember last year’s The Internship?
If you are currently unemployed then chances are you are not getting paid while you are in between jobs. We’ve all been there. It’s an unsettling time while you try to figure out your future. Why not make the most of this period by perfecting your skills, learning something new, and making new connections through an unpaid internship. Think about it, you have nothing to lose and an internship might be the catalyst to give you everything you want to gain. Here are 15 reasons why it’s not only okay, but awesome, to explore internship opportunities at an older age.
1. Returnship
Internships, or the Goldman Sachs trademarked moniker, Returnships, are great for employees because they allow you to refine your skills and ease back into the workforce if you’ve recently taken a hiatus (say you left to raise your children). They’re equally great for companies who want to reduce their risks when hiring a new employee who took an extended break from working.
Read Related: How an Internship Can Help Your Career
