In Lieu of Internships

2025.05.12

Internships have long been considered a vital stepping stone for most students and recent graduates to enter various industries. Originally designed to provide hands-on experience and industry exposure, internships have evolved significantly. Today, internships often serve as a prerequisite for full-time employment, acting as a gatekeeping tool that can pave the way to a successful career, while the lack of an internship on a resume can be a detriment to even being given a chance.

When Free Labor Replaces Entry-Level Jobs

The use of internships as a gatekeeping tool is exacerbated by the fact that they are increasingly unpaid or poorly compensated, while demanding long hours from interns. This shift has led some companies to use internships as a means of obtaining free labor, effectively replacing entry-level positions with unpaid roles. Furthermore, unpaid internships also raise concerns about exploitation and fair labor practices. Interns often perform tasks that benefit the company significantly, yet they lack the legal protections and benefits provided to paid employees. This includes minimum wage laws, anti-discrimination protections, and access to benefits such as health insurance and paid leave. The Department of Labor has outlined specific criteria for unpaid internships to ensure they are educational and not exploitative, but these guidelines are not always strictly followed. This practice not only devalues the intern's work but also restricts access to valuable industry experience for those who cannot afford to work without pay an increasing probability as the cost of higher education and exploded.

The Rising Cost of Higher Education

According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 academic year was $37,650 at private colleges, $10,560 for in-state students at public colleges, and $27,020 for out-of-state students at public colleges. As a result, the total student loan debt in the U.S. reached $1.7 trillion in 2021. And we know those costs have only increased since then.

Who Can Afford to Work for Free?

Students from affluent backgrounds are more likely to afford unpaid internships, as they often have financial support from their families. On the other side, students from low-income families face significant challenges. These students may need to juggle part-time jobs alongside their studies and cannot afford to take on unpaid internships. This financial barrier perpetuates inequality, as those who cannot afford unpaid internships miss out on essential experiences and networking opportunities, limiting their future job prospects and reinforcing the economic divide regardless of their ability and merit.

My Path Without an Internship and Alternatives to Traditional Internships

Although this economic disparity in access to internships is stark, some career paths have opportunities to gain meaningful experience for your resume. I was a student for whom internships were out of reach, but through my friends and family I was able to get a couple of volunteer experiences relevant to my field. The best part was both were remote volunteering opportunities, well before remote work was common. These opportunities gave me enough experience for my resume to help land me my first design role post graduation. The job landscape has changed since I was a student, but there are opportunities to gain professional experience in leu of traditional internships, they just might take a little more thinking outside the norm to find them. This list is not comprehensive, but here are a few ideas to consider:

To address these challenges, it's crucial to consider alternatives that can provide similar professional development opportunities without the associated financial burden. Some viable options include:

• Apprenticeships: These offer on-the-job training with a focus on technical skills and industry certifications.
• Volunteering: Working with non-profit organizations can provide valuable experience in various fields such as event planning, fundraising, and leadership.
• Freelancing or Consulting: These roles allow individuals to gain experience and build a portfolio while earning money.
• Professional Development Courses: Courses in specific fields can enhance knowledge and skills, making candidates more competitive.
• Networking: Attending industry events, conferences, and joining professional organizations can help build connections and learn from experienced professionals.
• Personal Projects: Creating blogs, podcasts, or social media can develop skills in content creation, marketing, and project management.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting a business or venture provides hands-on experience in various business functions.

Toward a More Fair Job Market

Internships have played and will continue to play a critical role in today's job market, offering essential experience and networking opportunities. However, their current structure often exacerbates economic inequality and limits access for brilliant individuals from low-income backgrounds. By exploring and promoting alternative pathways to professional development, we can create a more fair job market that values and supports all young professionals, regardless of their financial background. It is vital for companies and policymakers to address these issues, ensuring that internships serve as a bridge to opportunity rather than a barrier to entry.