You're Worthwhile, Even When You Make Mistakes
When I started, I was an intern. I was lucky to live in a day where not every metrics were used to rate someone's productivity. So employees had time for me. Time to help me learn, and figure out stuff.<p>As I wasn't paid, I had low pressure to deliver good things. That said I was trying really hard to bring a net positive.<p>I miss the days where having interns was a common thing. We'd give them the repetitive boring jobs but they'd also get real experience and see _how_ things were done. Later they'd be trusted to do just about anything.<p>Now it's all 'senior'. Every job is looking for a heavy-hitter rockstar superman. Even if it's wrapped into this joly 'hey we're cool and kinda awesome too, woowee us!' - they're still wanting to find senior mad-scientists.<p>I contract myself out to large/small businesses, all sorts of industries, big pay jobs. Number of interns: 0.<p>The net result is I see plenty of 'senior engineers' hired who I wouldn't call senior. They've got 5 years experience, 2 of them were writing tests, and they're 'senior'?<p>Do the future a favour, get a few interns. They'll keep you young!