In a recent LinkedIn post, Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 addresses the growing challenge students may face in securing paid internships for the 2026 season. Acknowledging the widely held belief that interns should always be compensated, Sackett points out that this stance has led some organizations to abandon internship programs altogether due to budget constraints. This creates a difficult situation for students who desperately need experience to build their resumes.
Sackett highlights the core dilemma: students require internship experience, but companies are increasingly unable to offer paid positions. He directly confronts the sensitive topic of unpaid internships, stating:
“I know everyone hates this subject, and of course, interns should always be paid! But the problem is, because we’ve been so hard on this fact, organizations have given up on hiring interns because they can’t afford it.”
Recognizing that the traditional paid internship may be out of reach for many, Sackett, SCP 🟦 offers a series of proactive strategies for students to gain valuable experience and build their professional networks. He frames these as alternative pathways for students facing a tough internship market.
Alternative Strategies for Gaining Experience
Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 proposes several creative approaches for students who cannot secure paid internships. These suggestions focus on leveraging volunteerism, mentorship, and personal outreach to gain exposure and develop skills.
Volunteerism as a Stepping Stone
One of the primary recommendations from Sackett, SCP 🟦 is for students to consider volunteering. He suggests proactively reaching out to organizations where they aspire to work and offering their time. As Sackett, SCP 🟦 advises:
“Volunteer at organizations you want to work at. Tell them you’ll give them 16 hours a week of volunteer time to work on anything. With the stipulation, you can add that ‘Volunteer’ experience to your resume.”
This approach, according to Sackett, SCP 🟦, allows students to contribute meaningfully while gaining practical experience and the ability to bolster their resumes with relevant work history.
Leveraging Alumni Networks and Mentorship
Beyond direct volunteering, Sackett, SCP 🟦 also emphasizes the power of a student’s existing network, particularly their school’s alumni. He suggests students seek out personal mentorship opportunities.
“Reach out to alumni of your school and ask for a ‘Personal Mentorship’ for the summer – again, 16 hours a week of ‘shadowing’ and ‘practice’.”
This strategy, as outlined by Sackett, SCP 🟦, provides a structured way for students to learn from experienced professionals, gain insights into their field, and potentially uncover further opportunities.
Broader Outreach and Skill Development
Sackett, SCP 🟦 also encourages students to cast a wider net in their job search, even if the opportunities aren’t perfectly aligned with their desired field. He points out the value of gaining diverse skills and expanding one’s professional circle.
“Reach out to everyone you know and offer yourself up. Maybe you’ll get a job/internship/volunteer work in something that isn’t in your profession. At least you’ll be building your skills, networking, and trying new things.”
In his post, Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 concludes by inviting further discussion, asking for additional advice that can be shared with students who will be navigating the challenging internship landscape for the summer of 2026. His insights underscore the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness for emerging professionals.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Tim Sackett, SCP 🟦 on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 5, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →