As has been the case with most recent graduates, I’ve moved back to my hometown since graduating and have had a chance to catch up with some of my old past-times, including frequenting Swindon’s regionally famous Designer Outlet village, over-enthusiastically attempting to negotiate the magic roundabout and plotting how to get myself out of Swindon. I’ve also had the chance to reconnect with some old friends, and after the arbitrary comments on the weather, football and summer holiday destination of choice the conversation always turns to what we each do to fill our time these days.

It’s at this point in the conversation I must announce I’m on a marketing internship with children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent, and that I work for free. The general reaction to this news has become irritatingly predictable over the past few weeks: shock mixed with confusion and a certain smugness re the fact I earn less than the majority of my peers. It also brings on the inevitable question of my motivation for accepting the internship. After facing the question so frequently recently, I thought it about time my defence was published to a wider audience.

As a graduate of 2011, I haven’t exactly been met with a booming labour market. At a time of global market instability and incessant rumours of double-dip recessions, employers are understandably acting with caution when it comes to graduate recruitment. This doesn’t mean there aren’t jobs out there for those valiantly searching, but it does mean graduates are becoming increasingly likely to compromise pursuing their dream careers with their need for short-term cash. I must admit, I found it very difficult to reject paid employment for a three month placement in which my only remuneration would be travel expenses. But the experience I’ve received on my internship has been worth a lot more than any money I could’ve made elsewhere.

My CV has been completely revamped, and can now offer concrete examples of any competency an employer may specify. I’ve received training on CV writing, interview skills and presentation skills. I’ve made connections and friends and drastically improved my business acumen. I’ve had a great deal of fun and am now well placed to pursue my dream jobs.

So while internships may seem like a rip off; I assure you otherwise. I have been given real responsibility through my internship, I have received a tremendous amount of support from my colleagues and I’ve worked towards a great cause. Graduating into a recession can mean facing disadvantages that last up to a decade if you take a job outside of the field you want to work in. So don’t give up on your dream job; instead, take on an internship and take a huge step to it becoming a reality.