Should I try for an internship?

[tammylsmith]

My career interest is in cultural programming and the arts—specifically in education. This is a pretty narrow field, but I have done well to this point to find positions that support my goal. Well now, dh is interviewing for a fantastic new position that could involve uprooting our family and moving... daunting but exciting. We both agree that it would be great if I could start back to work p/t to get my career going again (dh works in media arts, so we are both passionate about our interests)

I was looking in the area of his new possible employer and found an organization that is bullseye dead center PERFECT for what I am interested in. I couldn't believe how well if fit the bill of my training and expertise. Of course they don't have any positions available at the moment

but I'd still like to figure out how to get my foot in the door. I'm 10 years out of undergrad and 5 years out of grad school, with plenty of experience to qualify for one of their staff positions... would it be weird to apply for an internship position in order to open up some networking possibilities? This organization is active in the entire county, which is rich in the arts... so I could theoretically create a lot of possibilities for myself and come in contact with a number of people who could further my career. I just can't decide if it would appear unprofessional to come in so overqualified as an unpaid intern.

[Dacks]

Well if it is an unpaid position, they can hardly complain about your excessive qualifications! It may come across as taking away an experience intended for someone just starting out, but if that is the case then the worst that could happen is they don't accept your application. I say it never hurts to apply. Good luck!

[tammylsmith]

True, lol. But then again, I know these positions are often meant for college students and I can see how it could look like I'm taking something away from them. I see that there are other volunteer opportunities. Maybe it would be better for e to start there, and figure out what to do from that..

[One_Girl]

Have you tried Americorp Vista?  They have paid positions with insurance that are often gateway positions to a job.

[tammylsmith]

Good thought. I'll take a look. I think volunteering would be a good way to build connections one way or another.