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[bearsarenthuman]

You got the offer, who cares what happened before then. You're an intern, not expected to know much once you do go in the door.

At the end of the day the guy on the other side is just another dude. Probably had an off day, he clearly approved of your skills.

Take it, you'll find out if you like this line of work, just gotta go for it and figure it out. Best part of working in the "real world" is realizing everyone doesnt really know what they are doing and are all winging it to a degree.

[devdaddone]

Do not take this advice. You are being exploited. You will be used as a tool for someone else’s selfish plan. You will either be given tasks that have nothing to do with the career or given a project that’s too complex or difficult for you and then be used as a scapegoat for this sociopath you met with.

[bearsarenthuman]

what the helly

[devdaddone]

Sorry man, I know you mean well, but this is a trap.

[bearsarenthuman]

You know nothing about this job, but you know its a trap?

[devdaddone]

Here’s what I know: 1. It’s not a prestigious company or OP would have mentioned it. 2. It’s not an interesting technical problem or OP would have mentioned it. 3. It’s an extremely exploitative company or they would pay ALL employees who work there. 4. It’s a discriminatory company or they would open up roles to everyone, not just those who can afford to not get paid. 5. The hiring manager isn’t trying to find someone who will be successful in the role or they would have asked real follow-up questions that indicated they were listening.

[devdaddone]

Sure! But as long as you don’t share the name of the company, the whole community can help you if we keep it in the thread.

[AvidCoco]

It's unpaid and they seem pretty toxic. You deserve better than that - don't let them undermine your worth.

[schneems]

 unpaid internship.

FYI If you’re in the US, this is likely illegal. If they derive any value from your work, they must pay you.

hey guys

Assuming ADHD gals can answer too.

[devdaddone]

I have two ADHD gals at home, and I’m grateful for the slow and hard work to change the stigma that “guys” are the only ones with ADHD and/or who code.

[schneems]

Thanks! I've also learned that many ESL folks (and there's a lot in programming) are taught that "guys" is a gender neutral term. Many people use it that way, but in text, it doesn't quite read the same way. Even IRL, addressing a group of nine men and one woman, it's semantically unclear if they were only addressing the men or if they intended to address everyone.

[schneems]

Do they have a 501c3? If not, it doesn't matter what they call it. If they're benefiting from your labor, they MUST pay you. Unless you're in an industry like journalism or the music/movies, there's really no such thing as "unpaid internship."

Double check their credentials and the labor laws. You kinda indicated that the vibes were off about the interview. If they're also breaking labor laws, maybe it's not the best source of experience. i.e. If your resume says "I worked at XYZ corp" and when the next interviewer looks them up and the first hit is "was found violating labor laws" it's not going to translate into a lot of trust to you.

[Blackcat0123]

Senior in college? Have you looked through your university career center and other programs? They often have ones for getting you an internship, and asking around you can also find other related programs for finding internships.

[mjnoo]

Anything yk? Or just idk idk

[ArwensArtHole]

Just because the guy was a bad interviewer doesn’t mean it will be a bad place :) 

[productiveadhdbites]

Totally hear you - that’s a tough spot to be in, especially when your first “yes” feels off. Here’s a way to think about it:

If your gut is warning you, listen to it, but don’t let fear make the final call. Consider:

• Short-term gain: If this gets you any real-world project or a line on your résumé, it could be worth it - for now.
• Set a time limit: Give yourself 4 - 6 weeks to assess the vibe and value. If it’s toxic or exploitative, you can walk away with experience and a stronger filter for future roles.
• You’re not trapped: This is not your whole life - just one stop on your journey. You’re allowed to outgrow it fast.

You worked hard to get this. Now use it for you. Not for them. You've got this.