How to Earn Nothing and Learn Little in the Brave New Economy | Ross Perlin | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Internships have become a widespread and often exploitative practice in American workplaces, with millions of interns working for no pay or below minimum wage, leading to issues of structural unemployment and limited social mobility.

Key Insights

• 💦 Internships have become a common feature of American workplaces, with millions of interns working in various fields each year.
• 😘 The prevalence of unpaid and low-paid internships has led to concerns of exploitation and limited social mobility, particularly among marginalized groups.
• 👻 The lack of regulation and oversight has allowed internships to become a commodity, with companies benefiting from unpaid or underpaid labor.
• ✋ Higher education institutions have perpetuated the intern culture by charging students for academic credit, further contributing to the exploitative nature of internships.
• 💦 Internships have a significant impact on the composition of certain professions, often excluding individuals who cannot afford to work without pay and perpetuating social inequality.
• 🖐️ Self-regulation efforts within industries and companies can play a role in preventing exploitation and making internships more equitable.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How many interns work unpaid or below minimum wage in the United States?

Approximately 50% of interns work unpaid, while many others receive wages below minimum wage. This practice is prevalent in various industries and has become a significant contributor to the issue of structural unemployment.

Q: Why haven't internships been thoroughly researched and regulated?

The complex and widespread nature of internships, as well as the lack of a common definition and statistical data, have made it challenging for researchers to study and regulate internships. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and understanding regarding the legal issues surrounding internships.

Q: How have internships impacted social mobility and the composition of certain professions?

Unpaid internships, in particular, have furthered social inequality by excluding individuals who cannot afford to work without pay. Moreover, certain professions, such as politics, media, and film, have become dominated by interns from wealthier backgrounds, perpetuating a lack of diversity and representation.

Q: Are there any self-regulation practices in place to prevent exploitation in internships?

Some industries, such as architecture and public relations, have established codes of conduct to self-regulate internships. These codes aim to ensure fair treatment and prevent exploitation. However, individual companies and professional associations must also take part in self-regulation efforts to create meaningful change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Internships have become a standard operating procedure in American workplaces, with millions of interns working in various industries each year.

• The proliferation of unpaid and low-paid internships has led to issues of exploitation, particularly among young people and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

• The lack of regulation and oversight has allowed internships to evolve into a commodity, with companies and individuals benefiting from unpaid or underpaid labor.

• Higher education institutions have also played a role in promoting internships, often charging students for academic credit and further contributing to the exploitative nature of internships.