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The short answer? Yes. You should always pay your interns. There are a few exceptions, but largely, you should be paying interns for their work. Rather than a salary, most paid internships offer a stipend. This is a great way to show them that you value their contribution.
Free Labour?
Most people look at interns as temporary or ad hoc. However, it does not discount the number of hours and the hard work they pour into your business.
Paid internships often encourage dedication from interns, most of whom are just entering the job market. Without pay, they may shirk responsibility since they feel their work is not valued. With a decent stipend covering their bare necessities, interns feel like they owe it to their organisation to do their best, leading to increased productivity.
For most interns, a stipend from an internship is most likely their first salary. As a business, you want productive, happy and motivated employees. The achievement of a first salary fosters a sense of success in interns. It automatically betters the quality of work that they put forth. Not only is it good for the intern, but it reflects well in the business as well.
Paying your interns is also simply the right thing to do. When someone puts in time and effort, it is only fair that they are compensated for it. In today’s day and age, unpaid internships simply do not make sense for anyone.
The Exceptions
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NGO Internships: Since the revenue earned by an NGO goes toward social causes, it is understandable if they cannot pay for an internship. While several NGOs offer a nominal stipend for administrative internships, it is acceptable for them to offer unpaid internships.
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Apprenticeship: In the case of musicians, writers, artists, etc., most people are looking to be an apprentice rather than an intern. The relationship here is more akin to that of a student and a teacher. Here, the payment of a stipend is wholly dependent on the teacher.
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When experience trumps payment: If your business offers an unpaid internship in return for a fulfilling experience, it might be acceptable. However, this usually treads a fine line between what the company considers a worthwhile experience versus what the intern expects.
FAQs
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How much should I pay an intern?
The basic stipend should be enough to cover their food and travel.
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Should students accept unpaid internships?
While students should look for paid internships, an unpaid internship is not a bad choice if they feel like the experience is worth it.
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Why should we pay interns?
We should pay interns because it holds both parties accountable for the quality of work produced. It is also morally correct to pay a person for their service.
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Is an internship about the experience?
Internships are indeed about the experience. However, experience does not help an intern pay for their necessities, nor does it instil a sense of responsibility in them.
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Do interns benefit a business?
Interns are usually young adults fresh out of high school or college. They bring a whole host of new ideas that could benefit the business.
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