Unpaid Internship: Exploitation Trap or Ultimate Career Hack

Before entering the professional world, internship, especially unpaid internship, are often seen as the first step for students and fresh graduates. They provide real-world experience that helps participants sharpen technical skills, apply academic knowledge, and prepare for the demands of the workplace. Beyond that, internships also cultivate discipline, time management, and effective communication with colleagues and supervisors. These soft skills, combined with practical exposure, act as a bridge between theory and practice, enabling students to transition smoothly into their careers while understanding the professional behavior and expectations of the workplace.

Industries Where Unpaid Internships Are Common

Unpaid internships aren’t equally distributed across all industries. They are especially common in competitive fields where experience is often valued more than formal qualifications. Among the most common sectors are:

• Media and Journalism: Students frequently join newsrooms, broadcasting stations, or online publications without pay, often justified as “learning opportunities” to gain exposure to tight deadlines and editorial processes.

• Nonprofits and NGOs: Due to limited budgets, many nonprofit organizations depend on unpaid interns for research, program support, and advocacy work.

• Creative Industries: Fields like fashion, design, film, art, and music often rely on unpaid interns. While these roles help build portfolios, they rarely come with financial compensation.

• Politics and Government: Internships in political offices, international organizations, or government agencies are often unpaid but seen as prestigious opportunities to build networks.

• Startups and Small Businesses – Many early-stage companies recruit unpaid interns in areas such as marketing, social media, and research, offering “experience” instead of salaries.

The Problems Behind Unpaid Internship

Despite their benefits, unpaid internships raise serious concerns. In many cases, interns are expected to carry responsibilities similar to full-time employees without receiving any financial compensation. According to labor regulations, interns deserve fair treatment and compensation, yet in practice this is often overlooked.

One of the biggest issues is the shift of financial burden. Because companies don’t pay, interns often rely on family support to cover living expenses. This creates inequality, as only students with financial backing can afford to take on unpaid internships, leaving others behind.

On a larger scale, unpaid or underpaid internships also affect the economy. Minimal or no stipends mean interns contribute little in terms of taxable income. Over time, this reduces government revenue, which could otherwise support public services and programs.

The psychological impact is equally concerning. Interns who feel undervalued may experience stress, burnout, and a decline in motivation. Long periods of unpaid or poorly paid work can even damage their confidence and delay career progress. Instead of being a stepping stone, an internship can become a frustrating setback.

Different Perspectives on Unpaid Internship

Supporters argue that unpaid internships offer valuable opportunities. They allow students to gain practical skills, expand their networks, and secure references that may open doors in the future. For some, the experience itself outweighs the lack of financial reward.

On the other hand, critics view unpaid internships as unfair and exploitative. Interns often juggle heavy workloads and long hours while receiving nothing in return. This imbalance not only creates financial strain but also undermines the core purpose of internships, that is to support learning and professional development.

Building Fair and Beneficial Internship Programs

For internships to truly serve their purpose, companies need to move beyond treating interns as free labor. Interns deserve fair compensation, whether in the form of stipends, structured training, meaningful projects, or mentorship from professionals. These elements ensure that internships remain a genuine learning experience rather than an exploitative arrangement.

When designed properly, internship programs can be mutually beneficial. Companies gain fresh perspectives and motivated talent, while interns acquire practical experience, confidence, and stronger career prospects. In the long run, fair internship practices are not just beneficial for students, but they are an investment in the future workforce.

An internship should never be about free labor. It should be about learning, growth, and preparation for the future. Companies that build fair and supportive programs not only strengthen their own teams but also help shape the next generation of professionals.

Writer: Farsya Sabila 
Editor: Tesalonika Kristianti