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Exploited and Unheard: Why Campus Recruiters Need to Rethink Internships
Unpaid internships have long sparked debate regarding their fairness and value, especially when they become a financial burden on students. A candid Reddit post by a student who landed an unpaid internship only after exhaustive efforts paints a stark picture of the emotional and financial toll these positions can take.
The Student's Dilemma
After applying to over 150 internships without success, one student finally secured a position through a career fair. The initial excitement soon turned to frustration upon learning that their university required a $500 fee for a zero-credit course necessary for work authorization. This revelation has led to feelings of unfairness, considering the lack of compensation.
u/Tall_Energy_6630 asked the r/internships community "are unpaid internships worth it?" and received numerous replies ranging from "it depends..." to users questioning the legality of the job offer, with many chiming in just to say no!
Users like u/tyleroar pointed out that there are both compelling reasons to take and to decline an unpaid internship, and ultimately it comes down to a student's current financial situation.
Though unpaid internships aren't technically illegal as u/redit9977 declares, for the most part the Department of Labor suggests that interns are employees if they do work that is primarily for the company’s benefit, rather than for their own educational benefit. Which calls in to question what is the value of an unpaid internship to an employer?
For campus recruiters, the benefits of attracting, engaging, and assessing early-career talent make internships attractive, but hiring managers may fail to see the benefits of working directly with students when their output is not contributing to the bottomline.
Rethinking Unpaid Internships
The growing discontent among students over unpaid internships calls for a reassessment by campus recruiters. By understanding and addressing these concerns, recruiters can better align their programs with the needs and expectations of their future interns, potentially leading to more beneficial and equitable arrangements.
Recruiters are urged to consider the financial implications and career value of the internships they offer. Students are more than just temporary labor; they are future professionals who deserve respect and fair treatment.
Parker Dewey can help you reach a broader, more diverse group of candidates while ensuring fair compensation and valuable experiences. Contact us to discover the benefits of Micro-Internships for your organization.