The distinction between “assistant” and intern” is a simple one: assistants are paid, interns are not. But of course interns are paid, in experience.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, internships have become an essential part of the career development process for many graduates. However, not all internships are created equal, and less paid internships can be a disadvantage for both the intern and the employer.
fair and valuable paid internships will attract and retain high-quality candidates. These internships should include fair compensation, benefits, clear expectations and goals, opportunities for growth and development, a positive and inclusive working environment, and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Less paid internships to a graduate is a disadvantage or hindrance to their career development and financial stability. It may limit their opportunities for gaining valuable experience and networking in their chosen field, and make it more difficult for them to support themselves while gaining that experience.
Less paid internships can have several negative impacts on graduates. These include:
- Financial strain: Without fair compensation, internships can place a significant financial burden on graduates, making it difficult for them to support themselves and pay for basic living expenses.
- Limited opportunities: Without fair compensation, graduates may be forced to take on multiple internships or part-time jobs, which can limit their opportunities for gaining valuable experience and networking in their chosen field.
- Inequity: Less paid internships can perpetuate economic and social disparities, as they may only be accessible to those who have the financial means to work for little or no pay.
- Lack of benefits: Without benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, graduates may have to bear additional expenses or lose work-life balance.
- Lack of growth and development: Without opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and training, graduates may miss out on key skills and knowledge that would help them progress in their careers.
- Lack of sense of purpose: Without a sense of purpose and belonging, graduates may lack motivation and engagement, which can affect their work performance and overall well-being.
The laws regarding unpaid internships vary by country and jurisdiction. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes guidelines for determining whether an intern must be paid. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), an intern must be paid if they are performing work that would typically be done by a regular employee, and the employer is receiving an immediate benefit from the intern's work.
The DOL has established six criteria that must be met for an internship to be unpaid:
- The internship is similar to training that would be given in an educational environment.
- The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern.
- The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff.
- The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern, and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded.
- The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.
- The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.
In Canada, the laws regarding unpaid internships vary by province. However, generally, if the intern is performing work that would typically be done by a regular employee and the employer is receiving an immediate benefit from the intern's work, the intern must be paid at least minimum wage.
It's important for all to check the specific laws in your jurisdiction as well as to consult with an attorney or legal expert if you are uncertain about your rights and responsibilities as an intern or an employer. However unluckily there is no such laws in Pakistan
- Provide fair compensation: Make sure that the pay for interns is commensurate with the work they are doing and reflective of the cost of living in the area.
- Provide benefits: Consider offering benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off to interns, as this will attract and retain high-quality candidates.
- Provide clear expectations and goals: Clearly communicate the goals and expectations for the internship to the intern, and provide regular feedback and evaluations to help them understand how they are progressing.
- Provide opportunities for growth and development: Provide opportunities for interns to learn and grow through mentorship, training, and other professional development activities.
- Provide a positive and inclusive working environment: Foster a positive and inclusive working environment by promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and providing opportunities for interns to connect with other employees and industry professionals.
- Provide a sense of purpose and belonging: Provide a sense of purpose and belonging to the intern by involving them in meaningful and challenging work that aligns with their career goals.
