<p>Decades ago, I interned (and paid credits) while I completed a degree in a healthcare field. Of course, it was important and valuable and an integral part of my training. Healthcare workers-- nurses/ techs/ therapists/ doctors-- are all required to complete supervised, hands-on training. </p>
<p>That was entirely different than when I switched fields and got an unpaid internship at a for-profit business. I also had to pay for credits because their union required that any intern be receiving college credit. I worked way more than the hours I was expected to work. I did the work of an employee. I actually ended up very sick because I could not afford just to do this internship. At the end of my internship, the boss asked me if I would extend my unpaid internship. I said no. But it would look great on your resume, the boss said. Exhausted and sick, I said no. Oh… then will you work for us if we pay you? Yup, the boss had just made it very clear that they just wanted to get free labor out of me.</p>