The Good, the Bad, and the Unpaid Internships

By Janey Medina

March 31, 2025

Most people hold onto their youth or golden age, and the desire to revisit such youth often drives individuals forward. The limbo between graduating from college and being hastily pressured to find footing as new adults triggers cravings for such youthfulness. Many college students are expected to leave behind their young adult lives and follow in the footsteps of older generations. The shift from structured school schedules, part-time work and leisure time with friend groups to rigid work hours and in-office involvement is overwhelming. This expectation to seamlessly adapt to adulthood while deciphering its nuances intensifies the feeling. Pressures of financial independence, professional development and societal expectations contribute to the anxiety associated with entering the workforce.

Unpaid internships are another thing on the list to worry about. It is common knowledge that every college student should leave with experience when they graduate; that experience will pave the way for a successful career. However, not all internship experiences are ideal. Unpaid internships are increasingly prevalent among companies hiring interns. According to a 2022 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 47% of interns in the United States receive no compensation for their work. This creates a financial barrier for students who cannot afford to work for free while covering tuition, rent and basic living expenses.

The burden of unpaid labor is heavy for students interning in expensive cities where companies often provide little to no support for housing or transportation, requiring an odd-hour job to supplement lost income while juggling unpaid, full-time work. Thousands of college students compete for the privilege to work for free each year. Inside Higher Ed states that the primary concern among students is emotional stress (54%), followed by personal mental health reasons (43%) and the cost of higher education (31%). The expectation that experience alone is adequate compensation raises fundamental questions about corporate America’s labor ethics.

The irony of the situation is evident considering the broader capitalist narrative. The American workforce champions the idea that hard work leads to success; however, young professionals are often denied payment for their labor under the cover that they are gaining valuable experience, which is not always enough. This contradiction poses a frustrating reality: if work is supposed to lead to financial stability, why is it that the initial stages of a career often require financial sacrifice? The process becomes cyclical. Students need experience to get a job, but the experience comes at a cost that many cannot afford.

Capitalism further complicates this transition by fostering a competitive job market where entry-level positions require a minimum of 1-2 years of full-time professional experience. The notion of ‘paying dues’ is ingrained in corporate culture, yet it disproportionately affects those without financial support. Robert Farrington, a senior contributor at Forbes, claims that while 52% of college graduates are working in jobs that do not require higher education, 75% remain in this situation for a decade after college because “underemployment is sticky.”

Generational expectations add another layer to the issue. Older generations often question why young professionals seem unmotivated to work. However, securing a well-paying job is not as simple as it once was. If you take a second to look at the news, you will quickly notice that the job market is saturated. Wages have not kept pace with inflation, and corporate structures continue to prioritize unpaid or underpaid labor, since, after a period of robust growth, the job market has noticeably slowed, says senior contributor Jack Kelly at Forbes. Hiring rates have dipped, and job postings have declined from their highs.

The assumption that securing financial stability is straightforward ignores the systemic barriers that many young professionals face. Addressing the issue of unpaid internships requires systemic change. Companies must be held accountable for compensating interns fairly, recognizing that their contributions add value to the workplace. Policies should be implemented to ensure that entry-level positions provide suitable financial support rather than exploiting young professionals under the illusion of experience. Educational institutions can advocate for fair labor practices and connect students with paid internship opportunities found through a school's career help page. Negotiating internships, seeking grants or stipends and prioritizing opportunities that offer at least some form of financial compensation can help ease strain. Additionally, networks and mentorships can provide other doors leading to career advancement without relying solely on unpaid positions.

The transition into adulthood should not be marked by financial distress and professional uncertainty. While the challenges of unpaid internships and job market instability persist, acknowledging these issues and pursuing change can help reshape the internship-to-career pipeline for future professionals. The worth of work must be recognized, not just in gained experience, but in the ability to keep one's life afloat.