What is the practice of doing a job without pay to gain experience called?

The practice of doing a job without pay to gain experience is most accurately described as volunteering. Volunteering typically involves offering one's time and skills to support a cause, organization, or community without receiving compensation. This approach allows individuals to build skills and gain experience in a field they are interested in while contributing to a meaningful cause.

In contrast, an internship often involves structured learning experiences that may provide academic credit or even a stipend, while apprenticeships are formal training programs typically associated with skilled trades, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Job shadowing, on the other hand, is primarily focused on observing a professional in their daily tasks rather than actively participating in work. Each of these options has distinct purposes and outcomes, making volunteering the correct choice for gaining experience without any form of payment.