MagooMaster's journey

I'm currently an unpaid intern at a local community government social service, dedicating about 30 hours a week to a mix of youth social work and operational tasks. I started this journey as a volunteer about a year and a half ago, and after expressing my interest in a more formal role, they created an internship position specifically for me. My supervisor mentioned that the team was eager to bring me on board, which felt validating. Since starting, I've taken on new responsibilities and have had numerous opportunities to learn and grow within the organization. This experience has truly solidified my passion for social work, and I hope to make it my career. As I enter my final year of undergrad, I'm planning to continue in this role, even though it's unpaid. I appreciate the learning experience, despite some colleagues feeling guilty about the lack of compensation. I understand the organization is underfunded, but I'm concerned about the sustainability of this arrangement after graduation. I'm hopeful they will offer me a paid position eventually, though I'm trying to manage my expectations. I've recommended the volunteer-to-intern route to others interested in social work, as it has worked well for me. I'm curious about how far others have taken this path and whether recruiters will see my growth here as valuable if I don't end up with a job at this organization.