Internships – Paid vs. Unpaid

Internships – Paid vs. Unpaid

“An unpaid internship: because working for free builds character… or just exploitation?”

1. Warm-Up Questions

1. Should all internships be paid?

2. Can unpaid internships provide valuable experience, or do they exploit students?

3. Does paying interns attract a more diverse group of applicants?

4. Should companies be legally required to pay interns?

2. Vocabulary Preparation

Match the words to their definitions:

1. stipend

2. exploitation

3. professional development

4. entry-level position

5. equity

6. career trajectory

7. mentorship

8. labor laws

A. Legal rules governing working conditions and pay
B. Payment made to interns, usually small, to cover expenses
C. Taking unfair advantage of someone’s work
D. Support and guidance from experienced professionals
E. Learning and improving skills in a professional context
F. Opportunities at the start of a career
G. Fairness and equality in opportunities
H. The path someone’s career takes over time

Fun Vocabulary Game – “Paid vs. Unpaid Internships – Fair or Unfair?”

Choose the correct term:

1. Providing a small allowance to interns is called a (stipend / mentorship).

2. Unpaid internships are sometimes considered (exploitation / professional development).

3. Guidance from senior staff is called (mentorship / labor laws).

4. Fair treatment and equal opportunity is referred to as (equity / entry-level position).

5. The career path of a worker is called (career trajectory / stipend).

6. Legal rules about compensation and work hours are (labor laws / professional development).

Internships – Paid or Unpaid: Education or Exploitation?

Internships are widely regarded as stepping stones into the professional world, but the debate over whether they should be paid has become increasingly controversial. Advocates of paid internships argue that they promote equity, reduce exploitation, and allow students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to gain valuable experience. Opponents claim that unpaid internships provide opportunities for professional development and can serve as a gateway to career advancement.

Statistics reveal the magnitude of the issue. According to a 2025 survey by the National Internship Council, 60% of internships in the United States are unpaid, disproportionately affecting students from lower-income families. In contrast, paid internships are more accessible to a wider range of applicants, with 83% of students from affluent backgrounds taking unpaid positions, compared with only 27% from lower-income households. This disparity demonstrates that unpaid internships can perpetuate inequality rather than serve as meritocratic opportunities.

The impact on career development is debated. A 2024 study by the Global Workforce Institute found that 75% of interns with paid positions reported higher satisfaction and felt more prepared for entry-level jobs, compared with 42% of unpaid interns. Moreover, paid interns were more likely to be offered full-time positions upon graduation, with a 33% higher conversion rate than unpaid interns.

However, supporters of unpaid internships argue that experience alone can be valuable. Some organizations provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities that are difficult to quantify. For example, a creative agency offering unpaid internships reported that 90% of their former interns secured jobs in the field within six months, suggesting that unpaid work can sometimes pay off in career trajectory.

The ethical dimension of unpaid internships has sparked legal scrutiny. Labor law experts note that under U.S. and EU regulations, unpaid internships must primarily benefit the student rather than the employer. Violations can lead to lawsuits, as in the famous 2023 case where a media company was ordered to pay over $1 million in back wages to unpaid interns. This highlights the thin line between educational opportunity and exploitation.

Psychological factors also play a role. Unpaid interns may experience stress and financial pressure, affecting their performance and well-being. A 2024 study revealed that 38% of unpaid interns reported feeling anxious about meeting work expectations while managing part-time jobs, compared with only 12% of paid interns. The unpaid model may unintentionally favor those who can afford to work for free, raising questions about diversity and inclusion in recruitment.

Employers, however, argue that paid internships increase operational costs and may limit the number of positions they can offer. Some companies claim that unpaid internships allow them to provide experience that would otherwise be unaffordable for entry-level staff. Yet the evidence suggests that paying interns does not necessarily reduce the number of opportunities; rather, it ensures fairness and wider access.

In conclusion, internships remain a controversial intersection of education, labor rights, and equity. The statistics demonstrate that while unpaid internships can provide valuable experience, they often reinforce inequality and stress. Paid internships, meanwhile, offer greater fairness, improved career outcomes, and higher satisfaction. As universities, governments, and employers continue to navigate this debate, the challenge lies in creating opportunities that are both educationally valuable and ethically responsible.

4. Grammar Practice

A. Cause and Effect

Rewrite the sentences using connectors (because, due to, as a result, therefore):

1. Students cannot afford unpaid internships. Many talented applicants are excluded.

2. Paid internships offer mentorship. Career outcomes improve.

3. Companies violate labor laws. Lawsuits occur.

4. Unpaid internships are stressful. Anxiety increases.

5. Mentorship is provided. Skills develop.

B. Conditional Sentences

Complete the sentences:
6. If internships were always paid, equity ___ (increase).
7. Had students been offered mentorship, career readiness ___ (improve).
8. If employers ignore labor laws, legal consequences ___ (follow).
9. Should universities require paid internships, access for lower-income students ___ (expand).
10. Were internships unpaid without training, exploitation ___ (rise).

5. Creative Task – “Paid vs. Unpaid Internship Role-Play Challenge”

Roles (1 student per role):

1. HR/Management: Defends the company’s internship model, explaining costs and benefits.

2. Student Representative: Argues for fair pay, equity, and access to opportunities.

3. Labor Law Advisor/Consultant: Highlights legal requirements and potential risks.

4. University Career Counselor: Evaluates which internship type better prepares students for the job market.

Instructions:

1. Each student prepares a 3-5 minute role-play presentation showing their perspective.

2. Students interact in a live debate, negotiating solutions and responding to challenges.

3. Use at least 5 vocabulary words from the worksheet.

4. Add props, mock contracts, or internship schedules to make it engaging.

5. The class votes on which student most persuasively presented their position.