Opinion | Is it worth working for free?

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Internships are often considered the golden ticket to finding a job after graduation, right? But let’s be honest: there is a big difference between paid and unpaid internships.

Here at the University of Iowa, students are asking: Is it worth it to work for free, or does it only benefit those who can afford it?

The real question is: Should students be paid for their hard work or should the “experience” be enough?

The difference between paid and unpaid internships has long been a source of controversy. At first glance, unpaid internships seem to provide important experience, networking opportunities, and resume building without the need for a paycheck.

Some students are under pressure to excel in a competitive job market and are willing to forego their income to get their beloved “foot in the door.” But is that a fair compromise? Or does this create an unequal system in which only those who have money are allowed to participate?

The UI is proud to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in internships. But let’s be honest: unpaid internships often exclude students who simply can’t afford to work for free.

Many are already balancing part-time jobs, rent, tuition and other expenses. Requiring them to take on unpaid, often full-time jobs without any benefits puts them in an impossible position. They either miss a career opportunity or sink further into financial hardship.

Accordingly the Center for Research on College-Workforce TransitionsUnpaid internships often end up reinforcing systemic inequalities.

Students from wealthier backgrounds can afford to work summers or semesters for free, while students from lower-income families are excluded from crucial opportunities simply because they cannot afford it.

This leads to a growing gap in post-graduation outcomes; Wealthier students build impressive resumes and build professional networks while their less privileged peers have to catch up.

Students who complete paid internships are more likely to receive a job offer upon graduation than students who complete unpaid internships. A study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, or NACEfound that nearly 66 percent of paid interns received at least one job offer, compared to just 43 percent of unpaid interns.

So where does UI fit into this conversation?

The university has made strides in supporting student internships through programs like this John Pappajohn Entrepreneur Center, The focus is on funding paid internship opportunities for students. This initiative helps level the playing field by providing students with opportunities that not only advance their careers but also reward them for their work.

However, more can be done.

The university must actively discourage departments and affiliated organizations from promoting unpaid internships or at least work to provide scholarships to students who complete them. Encouraging academic credit for internships is one solution, but credit alone is not worth your time.

If we want all students to thrive equally regardless of their financial background, paid internships should be the norm so that students are compensated for their time and contributions. The solution lies in combining institutional support with employer responsibility.

The UI can work with local businesses and organizations to incentivize paid internships and potentially offer tax breaks or grants to those who hire students.

It’s time for change so that every student can enter the professional world with confidence knowing that their contributions are valued – both in terms of experience and income.