<p>I have mixed views on internships. I’ve had friends who’ve had wonderful internships; however, I know someone who had an internship–unpaid–on a graveyard shift! That was a bit of a logistical issue, and I don’t think the hours made it worth the experience. </p>
<p>I’ve also found that the really great internships involved some really useful experience. Two of my friends interned for political candidates over the summer (LA County elections) and made valuable connections while simultaneously getting insight into their professional goals. Another friend interned at a top company in her field, leading her to very strong connections within the field; now, she has an awesome job (not at the same company at all). </p>
<p>But then, of course, there are plenty who can point to the time they wasted on coffee runs and file sorting for nothing but a few credits (and nothing particularly enticing about coming back to repeat the experience). </p>
<p>I think there are some fields where internships are a waste of time, even if they exist. However, in health, education, and some technical fields, I think they’re pretty valuable. And I definitely think that some employers go so far as to exploit their workers because they do want the “unpaid labor,” whether or not they realize that it’s wrong. </p>
<p>When the education bubble bursts, internships will probably take a hit, too.</p>