Intern Or Indentured Servant? 9 Ways To Determine Whether You’re Being Exploited

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Your Internship Benefits Your Employer

Now let’s be honest, no employer would hire an unpaid intern without reaping some kind of benefit. But the DOL says that “the unpaid intern cannot be of immediate benefit to the employer.” By “immediate”, the DOL means, for example, that a journalism company cannot publish a final copy of your work (for the exception of weekly, semiweekly, and small daily news papers). Your boss can’t use your skills, make cash off it, while you remain unpaid.

However, the only reason you’re putting in blood, sweat, tears – without pay – is to gain real world experience to snag a respectable career. And if you’re receiving half-assed training while you’re giving your all, maybe it’s time to turn in your letter of resignation.

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