Imagine going to work every day and receiving tasks and given responsibilities but instead of being paid with money, you’re being paid with experience. A lot of graduates are doing just that by undertaking unpaid internships.
In this tough economic climate it’s difficult to get a graduate job. However, the positive is that work experience separates the great candidates from the good.
However, the competition for these internships is intense. As a result many companies realise that they do not have to pay interns because for every person unwilling to work for free, there is somebody that will.
The European Youth Forum conducted a survey and found that 51% of those undertaking internships were unpaid and 41% of those who were compensated found that the remuneration level was insufficient to cover their day-to-day expenses.
The study found that overall only a quarter of interns were being paid enough to make ends meet with 65% having to rely on the financial support from the bank of Mum and Dad.
As a result, unpaid internships hinder social mobility as it means only those who can afford to work for free will apply for them.
Also, since many internships are based in London, it means that many talented young people are missing out on opportunities due to being at a financial and locational disadvantage.
Overall, there is no excuse for interns not to be paid because people who contribute to the overall value of an organisation are classed as workers and are entitled a wage. But with so many graduates looking for work, it’s up to the individual to decide if it’s worth it.
Written By Zoe Mumba
