Entry by Pat Patterson
At this point, I am sure most, if not all of you are aware of the Department of Labor Guidlines concerning internship compensation. Although these guidlines may not seem that “new,” it is always good to share our thoughts.
According to The Department of Labor, the following six legal criteria must be applied when making a determination if an internship is required to be paid:
1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment.
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern.
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff.
4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded.
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship.
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship.
These guidelines may indeed help provide students with better experiential learning experiences.
What are your thoughts?
Do you think this will decrease the amount of internship opportunities employers will offer? Also, do you think the guidelines will encourage employers to put into place a requirement that students earn college credit for an internship? If so, do you believe your academic institution will be more willing to give students credit for a more education based internship?
