I found this article interesting in regards to companies using interns instead of paying a salary to advance their own business goals. It is good there is the Fair Labor Standards Act to hopefully discourage and fine businesses that take advantage of workers.
Although working as an intern while completing schooling can be a learning experience and help an individual's future growth, I think a business gaining from an intern should pay at least a minimum wage. An unpaid intern position should be limited to the number of weeks a person would work without pay.
The web-based company the article mentioned that hired 50 unpaid interns to get a project off the ground seems to be illegal, but the interns gained experience, were willing to do the work without pay, now have a reference, and have experience on their resume. I certainly hope this is not the start of the new norm.
I agree with you Jan, as I too hope this does not become the start of a new norm. It does seem logical to me to allow an unpaid position for someone needing a short term position to gain experience. However, there is a point where a line needs to be drawn and kept. I know people may be desperate to gain experience and hope to be eventually hired on but companies cannot abuse this. I know that you cannot say what someone's worth is but to me, if you are working you are worth something!
ReplyDeleteThis was interesting, while a great experience and a nice addition to your resume; I think internships have changed in the past decade or so. Specifically to the tune that many internships are paid, and even if it's only minimum wage-it's something. Internships are usually viewed as win-win, the intern gets a great learning experience and the employer has the possiblity of getting the latest and greatest from the education sector, giving them an opportunity to put that education to work. This example seemed more like a win-lose.
ReplyDelete