Unpaid interns struggle to make ends meet
Workplace experts are questioning the fairness of unpaid or extremely low-paying entry-level positions.
from the March 5, 2007 edition
Page 4 of 4
"I really wanted to work at 'The Daily Show,' so I thought I'd start out there as an intern," says Mr. Feldman.
The program requires that all interns receive college credit. Feldman, who had just graduated in the spring of 2003, made a deal with NYU to earn the fewest credits possible, so he'd be eligible for the internship. That meant paying NYU $1,600 for credits he didn't need.
Through personal savings, help from his parents, part-time jobs, and free meals on the set, Feldman managed to make the internship work. And after four months as an unpaid intern, the show offered him a paid position.
Vault's Oldman remains optimistic about the potential of internships. "While there are less satisfying internships out there, the majority of them can provide a wonderful steppingstone to the career of your choice," he says. "Or, at the very least, it can help you weed out what you don't want to do."
Neff provides her students with cautionary advice. "Buyer beware: In terms of your time, savings, and the money you will need, you are buying an opportunity for your career. Make sure it's worth every penny that you invest."
Despite the hardships Vanasco faced, she believes her investment was worth the sacrifices. She now works as a research assistant for a prominent French philosopher, writes freelance book reviews, and still spends one day a week working as a reader for the publication where she interned.
She'd wanted to intern there "more than anything," she says in retrospect. "And I can't emphasize enough how delighted I am that I did. I've met so many poets, writers, and editors whom I've long admired, several of whom I now consider dear friends."
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