This is a really good question and it has been getting some play recently to boot.
To answer your questions one by one...
Is it okay to pursue an unpaid internship? Yes, it is now considered okay to consider an unpaid internship although it was not always like this. Before the days of wealthy and privileged kids going for internships, there used to be a very small salary for very simple work. It was something you set up for the summer or winter break to help you get some experience to break that 'No work/No experience/No work'... run around. But now that many 'richer' families consider internships the leg up on everyone else students are willing to say they will work for nothing. Actually, I have even seen some people lead with that point to make employers interested. How do you justify the unpaid internship? Easy, if it helps you get a job or an 'in' to the company then it worked. How do you measure the worth? Did you get a leg up? If yes then 'Good on-ya'. If no, you get the point.
Now, is it ethical? Hell, if I know. Many states and companies are starting to think that it is less and less ethical considering what some employers do. I am sure that if you wait around here long enough someone will have a story about working 15 hrs on some project that the company thought was crucial for a free doughnut in the morning and free sandwich for lunch. As I said, some states are enacting laws to make unpaid internships unlawful while others could care less. See: dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/7... There have even been court cases recently about students demanding compensation from abusive companies. See: propublica.org/article/unpaid-inte... There have even been cases where Us Senators and Congressman have taken sexual advantage of interns. See: salon.com/2018/12/13/house-and-sen... Umm, Are you registered to vote???
How do you convince your new employer to pay you? Cite the laws in your state. Cite your strengths. You are not chattel. I suppose you have some knowledge. State that. Presumably, you have a work ethic? State that too. In the best circumstances, it should benefit both you and the employer. State that.
This is a test for you and for them. Is it worth it in your situation? Is there a greater benefit over risk? Can you keep looking? Also, consider this? Do you want to work for a company that may cheat you for your time and skills? If the interns are poorly treated is that a place you really want to work for anyway?
Tell them, "I know you need to get this pile of cow manure out of the office, I think I can stay focused enough and won't mind the smell. In turn, I hope that I will learn about the quality of shite you have here."
Hey Matt, thanks for your insights. I am definitely going to take a look at those links. Also, really good strategic points on convincing the employer to pay the intern.
I know you need to get this pile of cow manure out of the office, I think I can stay focused enough and won't mind the smell. In turn, I hope that I will learn about the quality of shite you have here.
This is a really good question and it has been getting some play recently to boot.
To answer your questions one by one...
Is it okay to pursue an unpaid internship? Yes, it is now considered okay to consider an unpaid internship although it was not always like this. Before the days of wealthy and privileged kids going for internships, there used to be a very small salary for very simple work. It was something you set up for the summer or winter break to help you get some experience to break that 'No work/No experience/No work'... run around. But now that many 'richer' families consider internships the leg up on everyone else students are willing to say they will work for nothing. Actually, I have even seen some people lead with that point to make employers interested. How do you justify the unpaid internship? Easy, if it helps you get a job or an 'in' to the company then it worked. How do you measure the worth? Did you get a leg up? If yes then 'Good on-ya'. If no, you get the point.
Now, is it ethical? Hell, if I know. Many states and companies are starting to think that it is less and less ethical considering what some employers do. I am sure that if you wait around here long enough someone will have a story about working 15 hrs on some project that the company thought was crucial for a free doughnut in the morning and free sandwich for lunch. As I said, some states are enacting laws to make unpaid internships unlawful while others could care less. See: dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/7... There have even been court cases recently about students demanding compensation from abusive companies. See: propublica.org/article/unpaid-inte... There have even been cases where Us Senators and Congressman have taken sexual advantage of interns. See: salon.com/2018/12/13/house-and-sen... Umm, Are you registered to vote???
How do you convince your new employer to pay you? Cite the laws in your state. Cite your strengths. You are not chattel. I suppose you have some knowledge. State that. Presumably, you have a work ethic? State that too. In the best circumstances, it should benefit both you and the employer. State that.
This is a test for you and for them. Is it worth it in your situation? Is there a greater benefit over risk? Can you keep looking? Also, consider this? Do you want to work for a company that may cheat you for your time and skills? If the interns are poorly treated is that a place you really want to work for anyway?
Tell them, "I know you need to get this pile of cow manure out of the office, I think I can stay focused enough and won't mind the smell. In turn, I hope that I will learn about the quality of shite you have here."
Be Strong,
Hey Matt, thanks for your insights. I am definitely going to take a look at those links. Also, really good strategic points on convincing the employer to pay the intern.
Good one.
Hey C,
For that last sentence, I have used that argument many times. I just have to remember to change the bad words with their product names.
Got it. 👍🏻🤞🏻