Unpaid Internships should no longer exist
Unpaid internships are essentially free labor for companies. Interns work on projects, assist with tasks, and even do menial work while attending their classes, all for what? So they can get work experience to put on their resume to get that entry-level job or for school credit. And they do all of this while getting unpaid many companies essentially exploit interns for free labor and good reviews and recommendations. It’s very unfair and wrong. Especially since internships have become the “new” entry-level jobs, many are scrambling to find internships so they have a chance of getting a job in this ultra-competitive job market. And especially to those who cannot afford unpaid internships.
Many people cannot afford unpaid internships because they barely have enough funds to pay their bills. Only those with the status, wealth, and connections can accept unpaid internships. This isn’t new information; we have been aware of this for years. With this knowledge, offering and even expecting people to accept an unpaid internship is ridiculous and unethical. Sure, companies might save money, but those students need the money they could be receiving to make their lives a little easier.
It’s interesting. It’s acknowledged that labor should be compensated, yet when one pursues an internship, many think it’s acceptable not to pay them. Whether they pursue an internship for college credit or work experience, it doesn’t matter. They are still doing work that helps both them and the company. That is labor, and it should be compensated fairly.
There have been many attempts to end them and ensure interns are appropriately compensated, but there needs to be a more extensive effort. Colleges, companies, and governments must figure out how best to end unpaid internships. However, it will take time as many unpaid internships are featured on job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed since they are still seen as the norm. People deserve internships that pay and allow them to gain the work experience and college credit they need. Internships and the job market are not how they were over fifty years ago. We need to step it up for students, grads, and other internship-seekers to start their careers on the right foot, and getting rid of unpaid internships is a great start.
Additional Links for further reading:
It’s Time to Officially End Unpaid Internships