She Strengthens

The Unpaid Internship Epidemic: Why Women Are Paying the Price

As I reflect on my past experiences, I realize that I’ve made a costly mistake by accepting multiple unpaid internships. Despite the valuable skills I acquired, I’m still grappling with the fact that I worked for months without any compensation. This summer, I spent thousands of dollars on travel and living expenses in New York City just to add a single internship to my resume. It’s a harsh reality that many of my fellow interns faced as well.

The Nonprofit Paradox

I chose to work with nonprofits, which are driving positive change in various aspects of civic life. However, this industry often relies on unpaid labor, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. I believed that my financial stability meant I didn’t need to ask for payment, but in hindsight, this was a mistake. By not requesting compensation, I essentially subsidized my own work.

A Gendered Issue

The statistics are staggering: 77% of unpaid internships are held by women. This disparity is not limited to the internship ecosystem; it’s a reflection of a broader issue. Women are less likely to negotiate salaries and are often socialized to prioritize others’ needs over their own. As a result, they’re more likely to accept unpaid work without questioning its value.

The False Promise of Unpaid Internships

Many assume that unpaid internships lead to paid work, but the data tells a different story. Students with paid internships are more likely to receive job offers (63%) compared to those with unpaid internships (37%). The latter is almost on par with students who never had an internship at all. It’s clear that unpaid internships may not be the golden ticket to employment that we think they are.

Why Women Are Attracted to Unpaid Internships

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of women in unpaid internships. Social service, social justice, and environmental industries, which are often not-for-profit, tend to attract more female employees. Additionally, women are more likely to pursue degrees in social sciences and arts, which can lead to lower-paying careers. The lack of diversity in high-paying fields like STEM and business may also deter women from pursuing opportunities in these areas.

Solving the Problem

To address this issue, we need to recognize the value of interns’ work and compensate them fairly. Companies and organizations must take responsibility for making internships a viable financial option for individuals from all backgrounds. Until then, it’s essential for interns to advocate for themselves and ask for fair compensation. As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez aptly put it, “experience doesn’t pay the bills.” It’s time for us to prioritize our worth and demand fair treatment in the workplace.