Lana Oconnell
University internships can be a great way for students to gain experience in their field of study and earn credits toward graduation. However, the question of whether students should be paid for their work or pay for credits has been a topic of debate. While some internships are unpaid and may require students to pay for credits, others may provide payment or combine work experience with relevant coursework for credit. The specific requirements and expectations vary depending on the university and program. Understanding the economic reality of the intern-employer relationship is essential to determine if interns should be classified as employees and entitled to compensation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether internships are paid or not | It depends on the company and program. Internships can be paid or unpaid. |
| Whether students pay for internship-earned credits | Yes, students may have to pay for internship-earned credits. |
| Whether students get college credits for internships | Yes, students can get college credits for internships. However, not all internships provide credits. |
| Whether students get college credits for unpaid internships | Yes, students can get college credits for unpaid internships. |
| Whether students get paid for internships they get college credits for | Yes, students can get paid for internships they get college credits for. |
| Whether students can get college credits for internships during the school year | Yes, students can get college credits for internships during the school year. |
| Whether students can get college credits for summer internships | Yes, students can get college credits for summer internships. |
| Whether there is a limit to the number of internship credits a college accepts | Yes, some colleges impose a limit on the number of internship credits they accept. |
| Whether there are guidelines for earning college credits for internships | Yes, there are guidelines for earning college credits for internships, such as the number of hours required. |
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What You'll Learn
Internships can be paid and count for credit
It is a common misconception that interns cannot or should not be paid if they receive academic credits for their internship. However, this is not true, and interns can be paid and receive academic credits.
Some internships require students to take the internship for academic credits, which places an additional financial burden on students. In almost all cases, the student must pay for the academic credits and complete all corresponding coursework to receive them. This means that the student loses out on a paycheck and has to pay thousands of dollars in tuition. This disproportionately affects financially struggling students.
Research conducted by NACE suggests that unpaid internships may lead to less desirable career outcomes post-graduation. In surveying the Class of 2023, NACE found that unpaid interns received an average of 0.9 job offers compared to 1.4 offers for paid interns, and starting salaries that averaged $22,500 less. NACE's 2019 Student Survey Report also found that "Black students are more likely to be in unpaid internships and participated in more unpaid internships than their white peers".
Therefore, employers should not make academic credits a requirement for their internships. By eliminating this stipulation and paying interns, employers can contribute to making their internships more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
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Unpaid internships can require students to pay for credits
Unpaid internships can present a financial burden to students, who often have to pay for credits and forgo a paycheck. For-credit internships can be a mandatory component of some undergraduate curricula, and students must pay tuition to enrol in the required internship course. This can be a significant expense, especially for those who rely on income from summer jobs to fund their studies.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States dictates that interns and students may not be considered "employees", and therefore, compensation for their work is not required. However, this has led to some for-profit employers requiring students to take internships for credit, demonstrating the educational value of the experience. This places an additional financial burden on students, who have to pay for credits while missing out on paid work opportunities.
Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) highlights the negative impact of unpaid internships on career outcomes. Students who participate in unpaid internships receive fewer job offers and lower starting salaries compared to their paid peers. This perpetuates a cycle of inequity, particularly affecting underrepresented, first-generation, and low-income students. It also disproportionately impacts female and Black students, contributing to existing wage gaps.
To address these issues, some institutions are actively working to eliminate the requirement for students to enrol in unpaid internships for credit. By paying interns, employers can increase accessibility and provide opportunities to a more diverse range of students. This would ensure that financial circumstances do not limit a student's ability to gain valuable professional experience and build their network.
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Colleges may charge tuition for unpaid internships
The practice of colleges charging tuition for unpaid internships has sparked debate among students and educators. While some argue that the academic supervision and faculty involvement required for these internships incur costs that must be covered, others claim that colleges are profiting from their students' free labour. This conflict reflects a broader discussion about the purpose of internships and the value they bring to students' education and career prospects.
Students at several schools have publicly criticised the practice of charging tuition for credits earned through unpaid internships, alleging that colleges profit from their free labour while already collecting tuition fees from students and their families. This criticism highlights the financial burden on students, who often have to take on additional expenses, such as transportation and accommodation, during their internships. Seton Hall University students, for example, have petitioned the school to stop charging for internship credits, arguing that the institution is not providing any additional services or bearing any strain on its resources.
Proponents of charging tuition for unpaid internships argue that academic internships necessitate costly faculty work, and someone must cover the expense of having faculty members present. Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education, acknowledges the financial reality, stating that academic supervision incurs costs that cannot be avoided. Colleges also emphasise the value of internships in providing career-oriented opportunities for students and bridging the gap between classroom theories and real-world applications.
However, critics of the practice point out the potential ethical concerns and the financial barriers it creates for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. They argue that if students are doing work, they should be paid, and unpaid internships can perpetuate a cycle of inequity, with research indicating that unpaid interns receive fewer job offers and lower starting salaries compared to their paid peers. Additionally, unpaid internships disproportionately impact female college students and first-generation, Black, and international students, contributing to existing wage gaps and inequalities.
While the debate continues, some colleges offer alternatives to alleviate the financial burden on students. For instance, Seton Hall University encourages students to intern during the school year when they can take advantage of flat-rate tuition to avoid additional charges. The School of Diplomacy at the university also raises scholarship funding to support low-income students who wish to intern during the summer.
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Internships may be a mandatory part of the curriculum
Some courses of study do require students to take part in internships for credit. However, it is important to note that credit is bestowed by the educational institution, not the employer. Students should check with their department chair or academic advisor to confirm whether their college accepts internship credit and what formalities are involved.
There are several benefits to including internships as a mandatory part of the curriculum. Internships can provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to put theory into practice and develop industry-specific skills. They can also help students explore different career paths, build professional connections, and enhance their resumes. Additionally, internships can help students gain a better understanding of how a professional workplace operates and enable them to forge important connections with professionals in their desired career field.
However, it is worth noting that not all internships offer college credit, and some colleges impose limits on the number of internships they accept for credit to ensure students have room for their mandatory academic courses. Additionally, unpaid internships can pose financial challenges for students and may lead to less desirable career outcomes post-graduation. Research by NACE found that unpaid interns received fewer job offers and lower starting salaries compared to their paid peers. Therefore, it is important for employers to compensate interns to make internships more accessible and ensure a positive return on their investment in terms of talented individuals.
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Students can opt out of internships and take a course instead
University students often have the option to undertake internships for credit. However, this is not always the case, and some institutions may allow students to opt out of internships and take a course instead. This can be a more attractive option for students who want to focus on their academics or are unable to commit to the time requirements of an internship.
When considering whether to opt out of an internship and take a course instead, students should be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks. One advantage of taking a course is that it may provide a more structured and academic learning experience, allowing students to gain knowledge and skills in a more traditional classroom setting. This can be particularly beneficial for students who prefer a more theoretical approach to learning or who feel they would benefit from the structure and support of a formal course.
On the other hand, internships offer invaluable professional learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom-based theories and real-world applications in workplace settings. They provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and enhance resumes, which can lead to more job offers and higher starting salaries after graduation.
It is worth noting that not all internships are created equal. Some internships may be unpaid and require students to pay for credits, posing financial challenges and potentially limiting the accessibility of these opportunities. Additionally, some internships may not provide academic credits at all, and even if they do, there may be limits imposed by the college to ensure students have room for their mandatory academic courses.
Ultimately, the decision to opt out of an internship and take a course instead depends on various factors, including a student's financial situation, learning preferences, and career goals. It is important for students to carefully consider their options and make informed decisions that align with their personal circumstances and academic requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, no. When a student opts to do an internship for credit, they are essentially taking on the internship as a course and the work experience as the class. This means they pay their university for the credits, just as they would for any other class, rather than being paid by the company.
A student may choose this option for several reasons. Firstly, some internships may only be offered on a voluntary basis, so taking them for credit can provide an incentive and help balance the lack of financial gain. Secondly, the credits earned can help fulfill graduation requirements, and the internship may provide valuable connections and experience in the student's field of study.
Universities often have set guidelines and requirements for internships taken for credit. These may include factors such as the number of hours worked, the level of responsibility and learning involved, and the alignment of the internship with the student's academic program. The credit value is usually proportional to the time commitment and the depth of the learning experience.
In some cases, yes. It depends on the university's policies and the specific internship. Sometimes, a paid internship may also be taken for credit, allowing the student to gain both financial benefit and academic recognition. However, this is usually subject to approval by the university and may involve additional requirements or conditions.
Doing an internship for credit can provide several advantages. It can enhance a student's resume, demonstrating their practical experience and commitment to their field. The academic structure can also provide additional support and guidance, ensuring a more meaningful learning experience. Additionally, the credits earned can help fulfill graduation requirements, and some universities may offer reduced tuition rates for internship credits.
