1. Introduction
In today’s hyper-competitive world, internships have become the gateway to the professional realm. They promise exposure, experience, and the elusive “foot in the door.” But somewhere along the way, the noble concept of internships has lost its purpose, becoming a loophole for unethical labor practices. Under the glittering disguise of learning, many interns are being exploited—morally, ethically, and professionally.
2. The Myth of “Experience”
Many organisations sell the idea that “experience is the reward,” but what happens when experience is offered in exchange for free, excessive, and often irrelevant labor? Interns—usually students or fresh graduates eager to prove themselves—are handed unrealistic workloads, given no structured guidance, and expected to operate as full‑time employees, all without compensation or recognition.
There is a thin line between mentorship and misuse, and it is being crossed more frequently than ever.
3. Ethical Red Flags That Cannot Be Ignored
1. Unpaid Internships for Profit-Driven Work
Asking interns to work for free on client projects that generate revenue for the company is unethical. If the work has value, so should the worker.
2. No Defined Learning Goals
Interns are often hired without any formal structure or mentorship plan. Instead of learning, they end up doing mundane tasks with no correlation to their field of study.
3. Emotional Manipulation
“This will look good on your CV,” they say, when interns voice concerns. The fear of losing out, of being labelled “not serious enough,” silences many from speaking out.
4. Lack of Acknowledgement
Interns contribute significantly but are rarely credited for their work—no certificates, no LinkedIn endorsements, not even a line of appreciation.
4. A Call for Ethical Internship Culture
Internships should be about mutual benefit. While interns gain exposure, companies must offer:
- Mentorship
- Skill development
- Fair work hours
- Ideally, stipends
This isn’t just a legal requirement in many countries; it’s a moral obligation.
5. What Can Be Done?
- For Institutions: Include ethical internship standards in placement policies.
- For Organisations: Ensure transparency, provide proper training, and never substitute paid positions with unpaid interns.
- For Interns: Know your rights, ask questions, and speak up when something feels off.
6. Conclusion
As we move toward a more conscious and inclusive workplace, we must revisit how we treat those just stepping in. Interns are not cheap labor. They are learners, contributors, and the future of the workforce. It is high time we stop exploiting ambition in the name of “experience.”
Internships should serve as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
- Samridhi Mishra, BBA (2023-2027)