Got an interview for unpaid internship...tips?

[paul2752]

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Hi,

I contacted this hospital near my school regarding internships, and fortunately I got an email from the volunteer director. She wanted me to send resume, and after I did it she contacted me again for an unpaid internship interview! It's scheduled on next month, so I have plenty of time to prepare.

So, I have some questions..

1) How many hours per week do unpaid internships take?
2) What kind of questions do they usually ask?
3) Do I have to wear 100% formal? Or semi formal?(I have to lose weight asap)

Thanks. I really hope I get an internship, or at least volunteer.

 

[AnonPanda1]

1) They can take anywhere from 4 hours a week to 40+. That's up to you to clarify. Perhaps consider phrasing it as "'This sounds like an amazing opportunity. I was wondering, how many hours a week should I dedicate per week to get the most out of it?" or something along those lines.

2) They usually ask standard interview questions. When they ask why you want the internship? You should not only talk about your aspirations as a future doctor but also your love to help out in any way you can. People tend to find premeds annoying. Focus on your positive aspects.

3) Wear a suit. At worst, they think you're overly serious (never a bad thing with concerns about liabilities). At best, you've made an excellent first impression. No one will hold it against you. Too many people show up in jeans and a t-shirt so a suit would be nice.

Just my opinions, I'm sure there would be a few people that disagree with how I would approach it all.

 

[Sardinia]

@paul2752 Good job on being proactive. I'm proud of you. I remember it was only a couple of weeks ago you felt like you hit a dead end. I am not a fan of unpaid internships, but if it gets your foot in the door then it's a great opportunity.

 

[paul2752]

Thanks @Sardinia and @AnonPanda1 .

I REALLY, REALLY hope that the internship is less than 20 hours per week. Since I am a foreigner, I need this thing called CPT, and if it's full time CPT(20 hours or more) than I won't be able to do Co-op for chemical engineering. It's kinda complicated to explain.

I think I will talk about tutoring kids who weren't from economically savvy families, helping other international kids with college essays, and volunteering in hospice duting high school. REALLY hoping I get it.

I also hope to build some kind of connections with doctors or other personnel so that I can find other opportunities more easily