The topic for today is “Should Unpaid Internships be Paid?” Internships for college students have been viewed as an excellent opportunity to receive practical work experience, provide the potential for a full-time job after graduation, the possibility of a part-time job while completing their education and to make connections and contacts for future benefits.
A recent controversy and two court cases have focused on whether or not unpaid internships should in fact be paid. It is unclear whether or not the court decisions have answered the question or further muddied the water. The answer seems to be centered on who, the student or the employer, receives the benefits. Should all internships be paid? Are there exceptions and a legitimate place for unpaid internships? What is the role of the universities in the discussion of paid or unpaid internships?
