I’ve been interning at a tech company for almost a year now, and for the past six months, I’ve been promised a full-time position with benefits. Each month, there’s a new excuse for the delay: paperwork issues, internal processes, and most recently, a hiring freeze due to financial constraints. My role has evolved significantly; I’m now handling critical tasks that go well beyond typical intern responsibilities. I’m the only one managing a key emerging technology that the company relies on heavily. My work includes training, defining policies, strategic planning, automation, and evaluating new tools. I’ve even led meetings and presented directly to the CEO, with tangible results that are evident in our operations. I truly enjoy my team and the work I do, which makes this situation even more challenging. However, it’s becoming unsustainable. It’s also starting to negatively impact my job search. When I apply to other positions and highlight my leadership experience, HR likely sees my intern title and questions its validity. They might wonder why I’ve been an intern for so long and if I’m still employed, which complicates my resume. As an international student in the US, this isn’t just about my career; it’s a visa issue. I need formal employment to maintain my legal working status. I’ve been applying to other jobs, but the market is tough. Out of 500 applications, I’ve only secured two interviews, and both times, once I mentioned my international status, the conversations abruptly ended. It’s disheartening. I’m looking for advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. How did you navigate it? If they claim there’s no budget, how can I respond without jeopardizing my current position, especially given the current job market?