The Harsh Truth About Unpaid Internships & Volunteering
Unpaid internships and volunteering are often presented as golden stepping stones into the tech industry, but what’s the real cost?
Join us for a raw and revealing session titled “The Harsh Truth About Unpaid Internships & Volunteering” where we unpack the unspoken struggles, hidden benefits, and ethical questions surrounding these common early-career pathways.
Led by our expert speaker Dapo, this webinar will explore the fine line between gaining experience and being exploited and how to make smart, strategic decisions that actually move your career forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck doing free work with no return, or unsure whether to accept “exposure” as compensation, this session is for you.
Let’s have the honest conversation others won’t.
Attendees Will Walk Away With:
Clarity on Value vs. Exploitation: Understand the difference between strategic volunteering/internships and career dead-ends.
Decision-Making Framework: Learn how to evaluate unpaid roles based on growth, network, impact, and future opportunities.
Exit Strategy: Know when (and how) to walk away from free work that no longer serves your goals.
Insider Advice: Hear from real experiences and practical examples of turning unpaid opportunities into tangible career wins.
Confidence to Say No: Learn how to set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and protect your time and value in the tech space.
This Webinar is Perfect for:
Students & Fresh Graduates: Navigating internship offers and building relevant experience from scratch.
Early-Career Professionals: Balancing between paid work and “opportunities” that promise long-term rewards.
Mid-Level Professionals: Trying to break into tech through lateral moves or passion projects.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Considering pro-bono work or volunteering to build credibility and networks.
General Audience: Anyone who wants to better understand the role of unpaid work in career development and how to make it work for you, not the other way around.
About the Speaker
Oladapo Awosika is a Senior Product Designer at Internet Brands with over 5 years of experience designing user-centered digital products. He has led design for large-scale platforms across fintech, health tech, and consumer products, combining strategic thinking with a strong eye for detail. Passionate about mentoring, design systems, and building impactful solutions, Oladapo has worked with startups, agencies, and cross-functional teams to bring ideas from concept to launch.