Many out-of-work adults are choosing to work in unpaid internships as a way to gain experience. Image: Flickr / pikturewerk / CC-BY
An unpaid internship has long been a college student’s stepping stone between education and employment. With high unemployment and a very tough job market, more and more adults are opting to take cues from college students and work for free. These adult internships are creating both benefits and legal concerns for businesses.
Why adults are turning to internships
Internships provide an answer to the often-repeated problem of getting a job. It’s tough to get a job without experience, but getting experience without a job is even tougher. Many unemployed adults or adults looking to get back into the job market after a long break are using unpaid internships as a way to get the experience that makes them a more attractive employment prospect.
Legal issues with internships
Unpaid internships can sound like a great idea for both employers and interns looking for work experience. This does not, however, mean that all unpaid internships are positive. Legally, employers may be opening themselves up to difficult situations; students usually receive college credit in exchange for their work for an employer. Adult interns, however, are not receiving anything of financial value and are not specifically covered by federal internship law. For adult internships, signing a legal contract that includes non-compete clauses, hours expectations and time limitations can be a very good idea, though it is not legally required.
Can you afford to work for free?
In Britain, unpaid internships for students or adults have raised quite a bit of debate. Many students are asking for lawmakers to require employers to pay minimum wage for internships. Many individuals simply cannot afford to dedicate 5 to 40 hours a week to an unpaid internship. For unemployed individuals, however, the cost-benefit analysis is very different. Unpaid internships often do not affect unemployment checks, though it is important to check with your unemployment representative before making a commitment. If you are not working anyway, an unpaid internship can provide the experience that makes your application rise to the top of the pile.
Finding an adult internship
If you are hoping to get into an adult internship, there are several options. First, you can find a business that is in the industry you are hoping to get into. Talk to the business owner and offer to become an intern. Second, you can use a program such as Vocation Vacations, which pairs individuals who want to take on a short-term internship with businesses that are willing to take them on. Either way, approach the internship with an open mind and a willingness to learn as much as you can, as quickly as you can.
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