Podcast Summary
The Significant Role of Internships in Career Development: From an extra resume booster to a necessary step for employment, internships have become crucial for college graduates to enter the workforce. However, the pressure to gain experience through unpaid or low-paying positions can lead to ethical concerns.
The role of internships in career development has significantly changed over the years. While it was once an extracurricular activity for those looking to pad their resumes, it has now become an essential step for many college graduates to enter the workforce. According to data, the percentage of college graduates who completed internships increased from 10% in the 1980s to 80% in the mid-2000s. This shift has left many millennials feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to gain work experience through internships, even if it means unpaid or low-paying positions. The conversation on Stuff You Should Know also touched on the issue of exploitation of interns and the ethical implications of unpaid labor. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing the value of internships and ensuring fair compensation and opportunities for all involved.
Paid internships boost job offers: 72% of paid interns received job offers in 2016 compared to fewer than 44% of unpaid interns
Paid internships significantly increase the chances of securing a job offer compared to unpaid internships or having no internship experience at all. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, over 72% of paid interns received job offers in 2016, while fewer than 44% of unpaid interns received the same opportunity. This trend has been improving since 2013, with paid internships offering a 37% job offer rate compared to 35% for those without internships. The decision to take an unpaid internship in hopes of breaking into a desired field is a common choice among millennials, but the data suggests that the financial investment of a paid internship may ultimately lead to greater career opportunities.
Unpaid Internships Perpetuating Inequality: Unpaid internships can perpetuate inequality and harm those who cannot afford them, leading to a system that favors the privileged. Recognizing this issue and working towards a more equitable system for career advancement is crucial.
The trend of unpaid internships, especially in large numbers, can lead to exploitation and an unfair career path for those who cannot afford it. This issue is perpetuated by the use of outside connections and nepotism, creating a system that favors the privileged. The concept of internships originated in the medical field as a transitional period between education and full-time practice, but it has evolved into a contentious issue due to its potential for perpetuating inequality. The economic consequences of this system can be significant, as those who cannot rely on external support are left behind. Ultimately, it is essential to recognize the potential harm of unpaid internships and work towards creating a more equitable system for career advancement.
History of Internships: Internships have evolved from rare, full-time positions in the early 1900s to common, short-term opportunities during academic breaks today. Companies partner with universities to offer them for college credit. LinkedIn Jobs is a useful tool for small businesses to find qualified candidates.
The concept of internships as a formalized way for students to gain practical experience at companies began to develop in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that it became more widespread. Companies started partnering with universities to offer internships for college credit. Initially, internships were often full-time positions for a longer duration, but they later evolved into shorter-term opportunities during academic breaks. The number of universities offering co-ops or internships increased significantly between the 1970s and 1980s. While internships are now common, they were once unusual, and their importance is still debated. For small businesses looking to hire, LinkedIn Jobs offers a vast network of professionals and an intuitive, quick, and easy hiring process, making it an effective tool for finding qualified candidates.
Gain real-world experience and valuable connections through internships: Internships in science-based jobs and fields provide valuable experience, industry jargon, and connections. Even unpaid internships can be worthwhile if the training is valuable.
Internships can be valuable experiences, particularly in science-based jobs and fields like STEM, psychology, economics, and AI. Through formal internships, individuals can gain real-world experience, learn industry jargon, and make valuable connections. Even unpaid internships can be acceptable if the training and experience provided are worth the time and effort. However, it's important to note that not all industries or companies offer equal value from internships. Media and entertainment companies have been known to exploit and abuse interns, leading to lawsuits. The formal process and long history of internships in fields like STEM make it less likely for interns to be exploited and more likely for them to receive valuable training.
Make yourself an invaluable asset during an internship: Provide exceptional work and integrate into the team to increase chances of leaving a lasting impression and potentially securing a full-time position
During an internship, it's essential to make yourself an invaluable asset to the company. This principle applies whether your goal is to gain experience or to secure a job. By providing exceptional work and becoming an integral part of the team, you increase your chances of leaving a lasting impression and potentially being offered a full-time position. The concept of becoming indispensable was illustrated through anecdotes about past interns, including Sam, who went from sending podcast topic ideas to receiving a letter of recommendation and eventually returning as a full-time employee. Although the discussion touched on Selena Gomez and her need for an intern to hold her seat, the main focus remained on the importance of making the most of an internship opportunity.
Unpaid fashion industry internships may not meet legal guidelines: Despite a decent average wage for paid interns, unpaid internships in the fashion industry may not follow legal guidelines, potentially leading to exploitation.
While the average hourly wage for paid interns in the fashion industry is relatively decent at $17.69, unpaid internships still exist and may not meet the criteria set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act. These criteria include the internship providing training similar to an educational environment, the experience benefiting the intern, the intern not displacing regular employees, and the employer not gaining immediate advantage from the intern's activities. However, many unpaid internships may not fully adhere to these guidelines, leading to potential exploitation. The fashion industry's history of not paying interns, as highlighted by organizations like the one that grew out of Occupy Wall Street, adds to the controversy surrounding this issue.
Internships should provide valuable learning experiences: Employers should clearly define internship expectations and benefits, while interns should understand they may not be entitled to wages or a job offer, but should gain valuable skills and experiences.
The relationship between employers and interns has evolved significantly in recent years. For a long time, interns were seen as unpaid labor, but in 2011, two interns sued Fox Searchlight Pictures for back wages, arguing that they were being treated like employees rather than interns. The case, which was won by the interns, set a precedent that internships should provide valuable learning experiences, and interns should be compensated if they are performing work that would typically be done by an entry-level employee. The key takeaway is that employers should be clear about the expectations and benefits of an internship, and interns should understand that they may not be entitled to wages or a job offer at the end of the internship. However, the experience should provide valuable learning opportunities that would not be available otherwise.
New rules for unpaid internships: Judgment in 2013 case set new standards for unpaid internships: no compensation expectation, similar training to education, academic integration, aligned calendar, and no employee displacement.
The legal landscape for unpaid internships significantly shifted after a 2013 court case involving Fox Searchlight and two former interns. The judge ruled that the interns were indeed employees and entitled to compensation. The new test for determining whether an intern is an employee includes the understanding between the intern and employer that there's no expectation of compensation or job guarantee, similar training to an educational environment, integration with academic coursework or academic credit, alignment with the academic calendar, and the intern's work not displacing paid employees. The ruling led to numerous settlements and changes in industry practices, with some companies choosing to pay interns and others opting to discontinue their internship programs due to increased legal exposure.
Unpaid internships: Controversial and Necessary: Companies can choose formal programs, pay interns, or discontinue unpaid internships. Balancing college and work is challenging. Legitimate, beneficial internships can be found through connections and websites. Speak up against exploitative situations.
Unpaid internships have been a subject of controversy since a landmark lawsuit in 2011 changed the game. Companies can either set up formal internship programs, pay their interns, or discontinue the program altogether. While entry-level jobs can provide valuable experience, students often cannot balance both college and full-time work. Established connections through professors or networking can help secure internships, but it's essential to ensure they are legitimate and beneficial. Websites like Internships.com and Media Bistro can be valuable resources. Unpaid interns have banded together online to share experiences and support each other through blogs like Intern Anonymous and Fashion Intern Problems. If you find yourself in an exploitative or unfair situation, speak up and advocate for yourself. Your courage could make a significant difference.
Protecting the President Requires Experience and Confidence: Experienced agents make quick, decisive, and potentially life-saving decisions in high-stakes security roles like the presidential protective detail.
Experience and maturity are crucial for individuals in high-stakes security roles, such as the presidential protective detail. Agility and youth might be desirable qualities, but the ability to make quick, decisive, and potentially life-saving decisions outweighs them. The Secret Service agents' job is to protect the president's life, even if it means overriding their directives. This requires a level of confidence and experience that comes with age. Additionally, platforms like Zigazoo offer a safe and moderated social media experience for kids, allowing them to express their creativity without the risks associated with traditional social media. Finally, the iHeartRadio Music Awards will showcase the biggest music stars and newcomers of the year.
