The decision to accept unpaid work for any reason must be weighed carefully, with pros and cons considered on an individual basis.  I'm not in favor of indentured servitude, but a good internship might actually get you where you want to be quicker and faster than a continued job search.  

The key question to ask yourself is:  "What will I be asked to give, and what can I specifically gain if I invest myself in an internship?" 

Even if you already have sizeable amounts of work experience, unpaid opportunities (of specific, brief duration) can be worth their weight in gold.  Good ones give you an insider's track, especially important in creative fields that for better or worse are considered competitive and glamorous. 

Unpaid internships are especially important if you are switching fields or you lack specialized experience and contacts.  You may also find yourself in a supportive association with a powerful, connected and highly skilled mentor! A brief, unpaid internship of a month or so working with a major person, could be worth the effort, if your budget can support it.  Pass if you're asked to work for someone really low on the totem pole! You might just end up training them!

Some unpaid internships offer placement within the company at the end of successful completion.  Others may just provide you with the types of references and outside connection you wouldn't be able to find without inside contacts.  

Not all internships are created equal, however. Even seemingly good and interesting ones may not be suitable for your life & career goals.  Your acceptance of unpaid work must be based on specifics that help you reach your career goals....and don't accept any internship offer if it doesn't have a good chance of leading you to appropriate,  full time employment in your chosen field.   You are not a volunteer for charity who can and will do anything to help the cause.  Any unpaid position you accept has got to be mutually beneficial!

To protect yourself from being a victim of promises that are not kept, get a clear, detailed agreement in writing. Definitely refuse any internship that doesn't specifically outline what is expected of both you and the employer.  The document should be specific about when you will begin and end the internship (especially if it is just a trial period leading to a full-time, paid, position); what the job duties will be (eg. if they say: "help out generally in the office" you're probably going to be used as a "grunt"); how your performance will be assessed (and when);  to whom you will be reporting; and whether or not they will provide written references or job placement after the internship. 

Promises of employment (or assistance in finding a job) must be defined!  In addition to clear internship guidelines, you'll need to investigate the company.  Are they actually in a position to hire you after the trial period or could they strapped for funds and using you as cheap labor? One way to find out is to check their financials.  If a company is doing poorly, they might not have the budget to pay for you once the internship is over.  Try to find out what  happened to former interns. Were most of them ultimately employed at the company,  or did they have to go elsewhere?   You might also ask for references and make contact with some former interns.  Ask:  "Did you feel that your internship was worthwhile?  Did the company live up to it's promises?  What kind of job did you get after the internship?" etc.  

Not all internships are unpaid, but some of the best ones offer oppportunity and contacts that are even better than money (if you can afford to work without financial compensation for a specific period of time). However, even if you are not offered a salary, it never hurts to ask for a stipend, or other benefits (e.g. use of the company gym, paid holidays).  Just remember:  salary is only one consideration.  If the opportunity really takes you where you want to be, both you and the employer will benefit. 

One thing I'm wondering about is why you're getting offers to work as an intern instead of being considered for full time jobs if you have specific publishing experience?  I don't think you have a giant sign saying "kick me" on your back, but perhaps you aren't targeting the right types of jobs, or you're aiming  too high for someone with just a couple of years of work experience? You might not be as impressive as you think you are either in person or on paper (sorry, but "tough love" is sometimes indicated in this column).  It's time to take a critical look at how you appear to these prospective employers!  If you are not presenting yourself well in interviews, or your resume isn't highlighting specific skills that are required, employers may not consider you as ready for full time employment.  

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To be sure, there are employers who will take advantage of what they see as a strong advantage in a difficult job market.  On the other hand, companies are watching the bottom line very carefully these days. The fact that they're willing to expend their resources and staff time on you shows that they feel it's important to get and train good people.

I know your goal is a full time job.  You can and should get one! I'd suggest revising your resume, perhaps as a functional one that categorizes your skill sets instead of emphasizing your specific work experience.  I would also suggest you buy and read a copy of my book YOU ARE THE PRODUCT: How To Sell Yourself To Employers,  to hone your interviewing and personal marketing skills.

Don't go into an unpaid internship with a chip on your shoulder.  You will radiate that resentment to others and you won't accomplish anything positive.  Only accept a situation that you think will move you closer to your goals, that you would enjoy,  and that you can be enthusiastic about. 

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