She Strengthens

The Unspoken Barrier to Political Power: Unpaid Internships

As the presidential election cycle heats up, candidates are touting their plans to address the growing opportunity gap, sky-high college tuition, and crippling student loan debt. Yet, behind the scenes, a stark reality exists: most presidential hopefuls expect their interns to work for free. Only Senator Bernie Sanders pays his interns a modest $10.10 an hour.

The Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Reality

This glaring contradiction is not limited to the campaign trail. The White House, despite its push for economic equality, employs 150 unpaid summer interns. In Congress, unpaid internships are legal, courtesy of the Congressional Accountability Act. This means that nearly 70 senators offer unpaid internships, while they themselves earn a substantial $43,500 over the same three-month period.

A Systemic Barrier to Entry

Unpaid internships are not just a minor inconvenience; they create a significant barrier to entry for low-income and minority students. These individuals often cannot afford to work without pay, forcing them to opt out of valuable opportunities. In cities like New York or DC, where living costs are exorbitant, unpaid internships are a luxury only the affluent can afford.

Personal Experience: A Harsh Reality

I know firsthand the struggles of navigating unpaid internships. During my first summer in DC, I worked two internships, receiving only a meager “commuter stipend” of $20 a week. I had to split a dingy basement room with my best friend, surviving on a diet of rice and beans. To make ends meet, I worked 20 hours a week during the academic year, saving close to $4,000. Even then, I barely scraped by.

A Self-Perpetuating Cycle of Inequality

Unpaid internships perpetuate a cycle of inequality, where those who can afford to work for free are more likely to land coveted entry-level jobs. This, in turn, ensures their continued upward mobility. A glance at the 2013 White House interns list reveals that nearly a third attended Ivy League schools, and many hailed from administration-linked families or major donors. It’s clear that those with connections and financial means have a significant advantage.

Breaking Down the Glass Ceiling

To create a truly representative government, we need more low-income and minority individuals in politics. However, unpaid internships stand in their way. If we want politicians who genuinely understand the concerns of these groups, we must address this systemic barrier. As the Washington Post aptly puts it, “Democracy is supposed to be about inclusion. The opportunity to participate should not be reserved for those who can afford it.”