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Unpaid Internships

Should Interns Expect to Be Paid?
career

Should Interns Expect to Be Paid?

The unpaid intern debate resurfaced yesterday, sparked by an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal by Steve Cohen, a former media executive turned law school graduate.
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The unpaid intern debate resurfaced yesterday, sparked by an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal by Steve Cohen, a former media executive turned law school graduate. In the piece, Cohen calls the class-action lawsuit against Charlie Rose's production company "dumb" and the $1,100 settlement for each of the 189 former unpaid interns "worse."

Cohen thinks that the threat of lawsuits will make companies think twice about hiring interns. He tries to make a case for unpaid internships by saying that the experience is invaluable and it may even lead to a job at the company. Of course, there are a lot of people who oppose Cohen's view, saying that unpaid internships give the upper hand to wealthy kids who can afford them, leaving limited options for children from lower income levels.

What do you think — should internships be paid?

What Are the Rights of Unpaid Interns?
Black Swan

6 Rights of an Unpaid Intern

Although most people accept that pouring coffee and other menial tasks are part and parcel of an unpaid internship, there is such a thing as an employer crossing the line and taking advantage of you.
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Although most people accept that pouring coffee and other menial tasks are part and parcel of an unpaid internship, there is such a thing as an employer crossing the line and taking advantage of you.

To those of you who are considering or who are already doing unpaid internships, you need to make sure you know your rights. Here is a list of them according to the Department of Labor website:

  • The internship should be an educational experience.
  • It's the intern who benefits from the experience.
  • The intern shouldn't replace a paid worker but will work under the close supervision of the regular staff.
  • The intern's activities will provide no immediate advantages for the employer and may occasionally impede operations.
  • The intern won't be entitled to a job when the internship ends.
  • There is a mutual understanding between the employer and the intern that the intern will not be paid for the time spent on the internship.

Have you ever worked for free, and if so, how were you treated?

Unpaid Internships Pros and Cons
career

Would You Take an Unpaid Internship to Boost Your Résumé?

Major publications are revamping their internship programs after the lawsuit an ex-Harper’s Bazaar intern filed against Hearst Corporation for not paying her when she was doing the full-time job of an employee, thus violating federal and state wage and hour laws.
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Major publications are revamping their internship programs after the lawsuit an ex-Harper’s Bazaar intern filed against Hearst Corporation for not paying her when she was doing the full-time job of an employee, thus violating federal and state wage and hour laws.

Sources at Condé Nast have told Fashionista that new regulations are to be set in place for their interns. Some of the new rules include not being able to work at the company for more than one semester per year (unless the intern has special clearance), not being able to work past 7 p.m., and being given a stipend of $500 for the semester.

We all know the value of a good internship and how it can make a huge difference on your résumé. I admit, I would've still done some of my past internships even if they didn't pay me. The experience I got was so fulfilling, and I definitely know that having a good brand name on my résumé really helped with my job hunt. What about you — would you take an unpaid internship to boost your chances of getting a job?

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures