In the world of design, internships are a time-tested practice, young grads and undergrads jump at the chance to earn valuable experience while firm owners reap the benefits of cheap (even free) labour \u2013 a probable win win for both sides.\u00a0 Internships are a kick-start to designer\u2019s careers and mold student\u2019s education into real world practice. But are unpaid internships benefitting or harming the design world? The trends seem to say the latter.<\/p>\n
\nThe unpaid internship is nothing new and neither is the debate. Respected leaders in the field still advocate such practices, but it\u2019s harming the industry \u2013 and it\u2019s illegal. Young designers grab these opportunities with the mindset that hard work will eventually lead to a paid position, not to mention it\u2019s practically a necessity these days \u2013 with programs like York\u2019s Bachelor of design which have a required internship in 3rd year. Without experience, designer\u2019s are without jobs.<\/p>\n
\nEarning work for pitching free creativity is a backward practice \u2013 any other trade involving similar premises such as trade apprenticeships have always been supplemented with basic room and board. These days, typically the only people able to accept unpaid internships are the privileged young supported by their family. How is a young designer buried in student loans, working part time just to survive supposed to show up five days a week for months without pay?
\nThe prospective individuals looking for these internships don\u2019t have the power to change these practices \u2013 the old \u201cif you don\u2019t like it , don\u2019t take the internship\u201d leaves them powerless. Do you sacrifice for the experience, or risk future unemployment?<\/p>\n
\nThe truth is unpaid internships are illegal. The law says that only a company working directly with an educational institute in offering hands-on learning, as a required component of a formal education, can be considered a practicum and thus not \u201cwork\u201d requiring compensation. But unless the opportunity never involves working directly on any client projects and the intern makes no contribution to the company whatsoever, then it is indeed work.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are a young designer feeling like you have no alternative in this hyper-competitive industry but to offer yourself as an intern without adequate recompense, think again. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask employers to outline what you\u2019ll be doing, learning, and gaining if not pay. Be ready to demonstrate how you are precisely the right person for the job and how you can bring value to the organization while learning and paying your dues. If they insist it\u2019s no pay or no opportunity, know that you can take a stand and politely decline.<\/p>\n
\nInternships are a stepping stone, not a chopping block \u2013 embrace the future designers and show them their worth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In the world of design, internships are a time-tested practice, young grads and undergrads jump at the chance to earn valuable experience while firm owners reap the benefits of cheap (even free) labour \u2013 a probable win win for both … Continue reading