Emanuelle De Oliveira ‘26
Imagine walking into an office, putting in hours of work, contributing to a company’s
success, and at the end of the day, receiving nothing in return. Interns across the U.S. face this reality every day. The work they do is real – tasks that a paid employee would handle if the interns weren’t there. If a company values an intern’s work enough to assign them
responsibilities, it should also value them enough to pay them. Work is work and fair wages reflect respect for an intern’s time and effort.
But the issue runs deeper than that. Unpaid internships disproportionately benefit those
who can afford to work for free, shutting out talented individuals who may be more skilled but cannot forgo an income. College students, who need internships the most, are often financially unstable. They are forced to choose between gaining valuable experience or earning a paycheck–both of which are crucial to their future success. By continuing to allow unpaid internships, businesses contribute to a system that disadvantages students from lower-income backgrounds and limits diversity within the workforce.
I know this struggle. Although I am fortunate to work an unpaid internship, I had an
internship where I performed at the level of a paid employee. I completed projects efficiently, took on responsibilities beyond my roles, and contributed ideas that added to the success of the company. Yet, despite my skill and dedication, I received no financial compensation. It was frustrating to realize that my contributions were good enough to drive company success but not worthy of pay. I had the skill set to do that job perfectly yet I was expected to work for free because I was labeled an intern.
The reality is that unpaid internships are not just unfair – they reinforce economic and
social inequities. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who take unpaid internships are less likely to receive job offers than their peers in paid positions. This means that unpaid internships do not even guarantee the career boost that many think they do. Furthermore, a Harvard Business Review article argues that the prevalence of unpaid internships allows companies to exploit free labor while continuing to marginalize students from disadvantaged backgrounds. If internships are meant to serve as pathways to full-time employment, why are we allowing them to be structured in ways that leave so many behind in their careers?
Beyond fairness, paying interns is also strategic for many businesses. Research shows
that paid interns are more engaged and more likely to return as full-time employees, reducing recruitment and training costs for businesses. A company that invests in its interns invests in its future success. Offering paid internships builds loyalty and fosters a strong work ethic that enhances a company’s reputation as a fair and ethical employer. As Forbes highlights, more employers are beginning to recognize this and are shifting toward paid internships. Those who fail to adapt risk losing talent to more progressive companies that value their interns as real
contributors.
Some businesses argue that they “can’t afford” to pay their interns. If we are honest – if
A company cannot pay its interns, perhaps it’s not in the financial position to take them on in the first place. Even a small stipend can make a critical difference in supporting interns and ensuring the opportunities are accessible to all students, not just those who can afford to work without pay. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers who compensate interns often see higher retention rates among those who transition into full-time roles, meaning that the cost of paying Interns is outweighed by the long-term benefits of building a strong and loyal workforce.
Unpaid internships perpetuate inequality, undervalue labor, and create barriers to career
growth. It’s time for businesses to recognize that paying interns is not just fair — it’s smart. A better work culture starts with better pay. We must commit to a workforce that values all
contributions including those of interns. This helps us take a step towards an equitable and successful future. Companies must evolve and embrace change because a thriving economy depends on Fair and inclusive workplace practices.
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