Are Unpaid Internships Legal (and Worth It)?
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/images-1.jpeg)
Internships are valuable for gaining experience in a particular field or learning new skills. However, internships can also be unpaid, leading to some legal questions. For example, is an unpaid internship legal?
Generally, an internship is considered an educational experience, and as such, it is generally legal for an employer to require an intern to work for free. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, suppose the intern receives educational benefits from their university, such as tuition reimbursement. In that case, the internship may be treated as a part-time job, and the intern would be entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay. Additionally, suppose the intern is receiving compensation for their services. In that case, the internship may not be considered an educational experience, and the intern would be entitled to the same minimum wage and overtime pay as a full-time employee.
An internship is an excellent way to gain experience in a particular field or learn new skills. However, an unpaid internship may not be as valuable, and the intern may be entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay. If you are considering an unpaid internship, check with your employer to ensure it is legal.