The intern debate is not a new topic by any means. However, it has gained a lot of traction in recent days and this particular can of worms has been opened yet again.
While people may have misconceptions about what interning involves, this author is speaking as someone who has been there and done that.
Not once or twice but three times. Third time lucky you could say as after my third internship, I landed a full-time position.
This particular journey involved a lot of work and a few sacrifices in an attempt to slowly climb the career ladder.
Currently, the burning question surrounding internships is the fairness of free labour.
If the person can learn on the job and there is a proviso that there may be a real opportunity down the line, then one can see the benefits of an internship.
On the other hand, if you’re working for free and getting absolutely nowhere, it can feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall.
There are a number of factors to consider, many internship opportunities are located in Dublin which can pose a real problem if you’re not from the capital.
Living at home just isn’t an option and as for paying rent, well that’s laughable when you’re not being paid. AT ALL.
The fact of the matter is that job satisfaction is essential for productivity and if you feel like you’re not being taken seriously, you’re on a road to nowhere.
Certain companies have adopted the JobBridge scheme, a government initiative which offers the individual €50 in addition to their social welfare payment.
To be eligible for this scheme you must be availing of unemployment benefits at the time of applying and for at least three months in total (this period does not have to be consecutive).
While this can work in theory, it is absolutely essential that the person in question knows exactly what to expect from this scheme.
If financial remuneration is not an option, the individual should leave the company after a designated time period having acquired a specific set of skills.
Sadly, this isn’t the case with all internships and people are becoming increasingly exasperated with the very idea.
Some might see interning as a glamorous affair but the reality is rather different.
Those who have watched The Devil Wears Prada will know that Andrea (Anne Hathaway) works her bum off to win favour with the formidable Miranda Priestly.
It all works out fine and dandy for her but this outcome is far from common.
At present, the word ‘internship’ is largely met with a snort of ridicule or a frustrated sign indicating that people have lost faith with the idea.
If practices were put in place to ensure interns are treated fairly and at the very least have their expenses paid, then the idea can be salvaged.
Unfortunately there is a mentality that if one intern leaves, another can fill their place and work for free.
This is one of the main problems and if this continues, interning will soon lose all value.
