Unethicality of Unpaid Internships

            Unpaid internships are considered a stepping stone into the realm of professionalism. They are especially prominent in media, politics, and the humanities disciplines. However, the practice keeps key voices and representation out of the businesses. It is an issue that goes deeper than the general narrative that college students are building up an immense amount of debt, so how on earth could they work for free? Coming from an affluent family surely helps, most students that accept unpaid internships come from families earning more than $80,000 a year. However, this only accounts for about 35% of students.

         Economically disadvantaged students are left out of the practice and therefore prevented from having a seat at the professional table. But going back to the disciplines unpaid internships are most common in - it’s apparent women are disproportionately involved in unpaid internships. A study conducted by Intern Bridge found that the “majors reporting more unpaid internships than paid included education (34% paid), social sciences (35% paid), health sciences (39% paid), communications (41% paid) and arts and humanities (43% paid).” It additionally concluded that over 70% of these positions were held by women. Due to humanity fields being dominated by women, this yet another form systematically reinforcing the gender pay gap. The disparity between paid and unpaid internships demonstrate our cultural bias toward male dominated professions such as engineering and computer science but shouldn’t we find value in the fields that shape social issues such as politics, the agencies that frame and share the messages in media, and the educators that raise and inform our children? Unfortunately, the issues with unpaid internships don’t stop with gender bias - they systematically reinforce racial oppression as well.

         Middle to low socioeconomic students are generally excluded from the practice as a whole and therefore left behind in the professional world. Only about half of all political internships pay and only about 5% of all congressional staffers are African American . Furthermore, in 2014 Politicios “Journalists to Watch” list did not include a single person of color. The effect of a lack of diversity on Capitol Hill and in the newsroom reflect directly into our culture as missing voices. Crucial stories and experiences from an African American perspective is lost and forgotten about. This too affects the wealth gap in America. How are economically disadvantaged minorities supposed to better their situation if a level of affluence and privilege is required to simply enter the workforce? “Experts have identified increasing incomes of black people as one of the critical ways to narrow the wealth gap. While addressing income disparities, it’s essential that we simultaneously address the current inequitable structure that students use to build experience. Unpaid internships only further opportunities for those who can afford to take them, while leaving those who can’t behind.” In the case of students that do pursue unpaid internships, they often must take on second part-time jobs to offset to financial implications. This can affect their academics which is the foremost purpose of college - education.

         So, what can be done to protect students from these exploitative business practices? Most of the burden relies on government and business reform. By redefining the requirements for internships on a corporate end and treating internships like any other part-time job the barriers to entry and exclusion will diminish greatly. Alternative solutions include stipends for travel, lodging, and tuition if taking on an internship is necessary for class credit. There’s been a gradual decline in the practice however it does still exist. One option for students is to just not participate. While students primary focus should lie within their academics this shouldn’t diminish their capabilities and professionalism. Students should know and demand value for their work because if they weren’t doing the job a paid employee would be.

It is clear internships offer benefits to experience and lessons that cannot be gained from inside the classroom. However, these opportunities should be accessible to all students, regardless of economic standing or academic major. Interns may be in college and are still learning – not yet professionals – but they have the time, energy, and motivation that many full time or salary employees do not event exhibit. The power lies within the businesses to change this practice however the benefits of doing so are immeasurable in our society’s current discourse on diversity and inclusion and its clear importance.