Internships for Mid-Career Professionals

While internships are typically thought of as a sort of rite of passage for the college student or recent graduate, mid-career professionals are the latest demographic to discover their value. Internships can provide the opportunity for career changers and dislocated workers to hone their skills and to try out a new career or industry before committing to it full time. They are also a good way for individuals to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence. Several companies, including Sara Lee, have created “returnship” programs for individuals with prior experience who are looking to re-enter the corporate world. Though the majority of internships and returnships are unpaid, many mid-career professionals are finding that the long-term benefits outweigh the minimal financial gain. Click here to read more about non-traditional interns who have made the experience work for them.