Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship 1936: Unpaid Internships: Learning Opportunities or a Legal Form of Slavery? by Jen Hayes on Ethical Labor Practices
Jan 18, 2026
The discussion takes a deep dive into the contentious realm of unpaid internships. It highlights how privilege often dictates who can afford these opportunities, with those from affluent backgrounds having an advantage. The podcast also questions the legality and ethics of unpaid labor while emphasizing the need for systemic change. Personal anecdotes illustrate the luck factor involved in securing paid positions. Ultimately, it calls for a more constructive dialogue to enhance the value of internships for all.
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Internship Boom Tied To Economic Shocks
- Unpaid internships grew from a learning tool into widespread free labor during economic downturns.
- The 2008 recession and rising student debt pushed employers to rely more on unpaid interns.
Scale And Debt Make Internships Systemic
- Today, roughly one-third to one-half of U.S. internships are unpaid and student debt averages about $40,000.
- This creates structural pressure that makes unpaid internships consequential, not just optional.
Legal Crackdown Changed Employer Practices
- The Department of Labor enforces criteria for unpaid internships at for-profit firms, prompting some companies to eliminate them.
- Legal scrutiny has changed employer behavior to avoid lawsuits.