Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers? Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of your own, use the anonymous form below, and she might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here

Dear Career Doctor: I am in my 2nd year of an MBA program, looking for an internship for the spring semester. My question is: when a recruiter or contact asks if I want to be paid for the internship, what should I say? Also, since I will be looking for a full time job soon, should I mention this? Neil H.

Dear Neil: Most interns work for things other than money: practical work experience, positions that improve their resume and the possibility to get hired after graduation. Very few internships offer much, if any, pay. So unless you have to get paid, I advise you to say that experience is more important than money. Discuss the pay after you are offerred the position. While many internships are unpaid, they may reimburse your expenses. And yes, say that you are looking for an internship now, and will be looking for a permanent position in June. Many employers use internships as a trial period, others just use them as a source of free labor. To find out, ask how many interns are hired on as permanent employees. However, the bottom line is: if the experience is going to look good on your resume, it doesn't matter whether you can get hired permanently or paid. A good internship is an investment in a career. The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor: One of my co-workers swears profusely. I've been ignoring it, but it really makes me uncomfortable. I'm not the only one who feels this way. He's already been asked to watch his language, but he's ignored the request. There are ten of us in a small office. What should I do? Jamie K.

Dear Jamie: Poll your co-workers and find out how many want his language laundered. Then arrange to speak to him as a group. Tell him you like him, but not some of the words he uses. Don't assume that one request -- even a group request -- will cure his bad habit. So ask him to help you come up with a way to remind him, like calling "foul" whenever a four-letter word slips out. Keep the discussion and follow-up serious but light, because you don't want group relations to become unpleasant or to make him feel harasssed. The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor: I am unhappy in my career and would like to get some career counseling, but I don't think I can afford private counseling fees. Do you know any inexpensive way to get good career advice? Amelia S.

Dear Amelia: The Westchester Library system offers 8-week career counseling groups -- and they are free! You are too late for the fall sessions, but new groups will begin in February. You can register beginning the first week in January (or get information now) by calling WEBS at 674-3612. The Career Doctor

Dear Career Doctor: I am in the process of writing a book about my teaching experiences in the South Bronx. I want to let people know the realities of the classroom. Can you tell me how I would go about getting an agent for this book? Jason R.

Dear Jason: Find books that are similar to the one you want to write or books that appeal to the same readers. Call the publishing houses for these books and ask for the Rights Department. Ask the Rights Department for the name of the agent that handled each book. Send the agent a one or two page letter introducing yourself and your project. Make it as interesting as possible. Ask if the agent would like to see a sample chapter. You should probably also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The Career Doctor

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The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.

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