The role of an intern is not new – in fact student interns
work closely with their academic supervisor and a participating organization
for years. What is new is how this role
is changing due to the external environment – “hard times/recession”. When times are tough employers are using this
tactic of “Unpaid Internship” inappropriately as free labour versus
participating with academia in a supporting/community service role.
Talented graduates need employment – hell - a worker a Tim
Horton’s or McDonalds is valued more as they are paid minimum wage. We have employment laws in this country and
the little loophole is being exploited. Students
today are actively seeking a paying summer job, and sadly, the incentive is for
them to find employment in the service industry - the loss befalls to you. You will not experience the talent that they
offer and you are only delaying their work experience. Think
about this: Would you rather hire a
graduate with specific work experience or one who worked their way through
school by working at a bar/restaurant because they could not afford to take an
unpaid internship? Employers are missing
the opportunity to see and enrich the student.
Remember back to when you were a college/university student….. And how good did it feel to land a summer
job!
Value those who are bettering themselves and pay them to
provide value to your business.
