The internship - that coveted stepping stone to a successful career. But what happens when the internship you've landed feels more like a trap than a launch pad? The truth is, some companies are so predatory with their intern positions that they border on entrapment. Let's take a closer look at the dark side of interning.
Underpaid and Overworked:
As if being a broke college student wasn't hard enough, some companies expect interns to work for little to no pay. And if they do offer compensation, it's not even enough to cover basic living expenses. Meanwhile, interns are expected to work long hours, do menial tasks, and put up with a toxic work culture, all for the promise of "valuable experience." It's no wonder so many interns feel trapped.
The Busywork Blues:
Speaking of "valuable experience," let's talk about the kind of work interns are actually doing. Sure, some internships offer real, hands-on experience in a particular field. But more often than not, interns are relegated to the land of busywork. Filing papers, fetching coffee, updating spreadsheets - it's hardly the kind of work that will propel you to the top of the career ladder or even get you on the first rung. It's almost like the people designating work to interns are so insecure in their own job positions that they don't want anyone to know they spend 45% of their time on the phone with their spouse, or talking to their "work husbands" by the watercooler.
The College Connection:
So why do so many students continue to take these less-than-stellar internships? In part, it's because colleges and universities have led them to believe that internships are the key to post-graduation success. And while it's true that some internships can lead to full-time job offers, it's not a guarantee. It's time for colleges to reevaluate their messaging around internships and start advocating for better working conditions and fair compensation. With costs of living increasing at a detrimental rate and inflation running away the day of "living off your connections" is dead, our generation cannot afford to do 15 years of shady business practices in order to get a halfways decent job position, we are looking to hit the ground running, do our job, and have a job focused around doing a job not looking like you're busy for 40 hours a week.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel:
All that said, not all internships are created equal. Some companies truly value their interns and provide them with meaningful work, mentorship, and fair compensation. If you find yourself in an internship that feels like a dead end, don't be afraid to speak up. And if all else fails, remember that there are other paths to success beyond the internship.
Interning can be a valuable experience for college students and recent grads. But when companies take advantage of interns with little pay, long hours, and menial tasks, it can feel more like entrapment than a stepping stone. It's up to all of us - companies, colleges, and interns themselves - to push for better working conditions and fair compensation. So the next time you're considering an internship, think twice about whether it's really worth your time and energy.
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