The proper role of unpaid internships has become painfully clear. Employers take advantage of young up-and-coming students and recent graduates, passing it off as a great way to gain experience.
The journalism industry’s foundation revolves around “who you know.” Earlier, this month NFL Network reporter Jane Slater tweeted out an unpaid journalism internship. She viewed it as an opportunity to give back to someone looking to make their way in the sports industry.
However, she received heavy criticism for promoting a non-paid opportunity. Slater admitted that her wealthy family helped her through her entry-level jobs, where she made as little as $16,500. Not all people have that luxury.
Many students often face the difficult decision in choosing between a risky unpaid opportunity and taking time off their normal jobs. The recent pandemic has caused many to speak up against unpaid internships and demand interns be compensated.
After many people began to criticize the position for not offering financial compensation, Slater’s comments to others sparked an extensive debate. Many prominent names in the industry shared their opinion.
ESPN’s Matt Miller, another well-known name in the industry, defended the opportunity and praised unpaid journalism as a pivotal stepping stone for those wanting a spot in the industry.
“I turned an unpaid writing opportunity at Bleacher Report into where I am now,” Miller said. “Would have never made it 10 years in this business or to ESPN without that chance.”
However, Miller’s response may support the abolishment of unpaid internships. Employers take advantage of current students and recent graduates because too many are willing to negotiate their worth to zero.
Students and recent graduates are recovering from the lackluster job market COVID-19 brought them after graduation. More than ever, students and recent graduates face a challenging dilemma in picking between an unpaid internship and applying for a regular nine-to-five job.
But the financial aspect just begins the conversation around Slater’s remarks.
Journalism has drastically changed, and entry-level job requirements are valuing versatility beyond just writing.
Aspiring journalists need to write well, edit others’ work and have experience with digital editing apps, such as Adobe Premiere or Photoshop. Asking interns for so much time and then giving them little compensation puts them in a challenging position, especially if they are still in school.
However, others in the industry oppose Slater and Miller’s views.
Tori McElhaney of The Athletic is a prominent supporter of paid internships to students and recent graduates. As the Atlanta Falcons’ beat-writer, her journey started with multiple unpaid opportunities before finally landing at a full-time opportunity.
“I definitely think interns should be paid,” McElhaney said. “I had the opportunity to take an unpaid internship, but I know not everyone has that luxury.”
McElhaney also highlighted that the “I suffered, so you have to as well” mentality plagues the industry. A University of Georgia alum, she knows that some schools have significant advantages over others in even getting these top-tier unpaid internships.
“I hate the mentality, and I definitely want better for future generations,” Atlanta Falcons beat reporter McElhaney states.
At the heart of the debate is the elitism coming from those already established in the industry.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein sided with unpaid internships and argued that people do not understand their true worth in a controversial tweet some that some responses labeled elitist.
It’s worth noting that Zierlein’s father’s coaching career spanned over nearly 50 years in both college and professional football. The elitism from the industry establishment is not only concerning, but a major roadblock to change.
The issue is that many in the industry don’t understand that times have changed, and it’s not feasible or financially responsible for some just to take an unpaid internship.
Not only is the pandemic a factor, but the continually rising price of living is also a significant barrier. Students and recent graduates move into areas that stretch them thin financially, and taking an unpaid internship does not help pay the bills.
There needs to be accountability and a sense of awareness from employers regarding an unpaid internship’s financial implications.
Older generations view Millenials and Gen-Z as “entitled,” but if anything, turning down unpaid work is the financially smart move.
It’s not as if people ask for handouts, just fundamental rights in being compensated for their 40-50 hours of work.
Georgia State alum and former sports editor for The Signal Espen Indrisano has done both paid and unpaid internships. He understands the difficulty of having to work without making a living.
“Unlike other students, I had the luxury of taking an unpaid internship with FC Dallas [at the beginning of 2020],” Indrisano said. “My parents were able to help me, and I moved to Texas for the internship, but [I’m] the exception to the rule.”
While his time in Dallas was cut short due to COVID-19, the 2020 journalism graduate highlights that unpaid interns are risking too much not to receive compensation.
Ben Moore of 247Sports understands both sides of the issue, but also agrees that the system needs to change. While Moore agrees that interns should be compensated, he understands that some outlets can’t afford to compensate interns.
“I get it, I really do,” Moore said. “Some interns are being asked to do way too much to not be paid for their work, but at 247 we just can’t afford the cost of compensation.
Moore also highlighted the issue of larger outlets that have the budget, but choose not to for whatever reason. With the economic impact of Covid-19 unpaid internships need to be a thing of the past to ensure college students are not only paid, but also give a sense of accomplishment.
