The secret problem your unpaid interns might not mention

As the school year winds down, many students are preparing for unpaid summer internships. Although they are a time-honored way to gain experience, they also may create a financial hardship for some participants.

“The problem is that students from less-advantaged backgrounds often face a significant financial strain from accepting such positions,” according to a Student Loan Hero survey report. “Nearly half of former unpaid interns among the survey’s 2,100-plus respondents said they were forced to go into debt to manage expenses. Others took on a second (paid) job to make ends meet.

“Yet despite the apparent inequality for students with lower incomes — as well as uneven outcomes depending on gender and race — the unpaid internship doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon.”

Among the key findings about unpaid internships, from the survey:

Interns go into debt. Given the lack of wages, 47 percent of unpaid interns reported taking on debt to complete their internships, with those debts averaging more than $2,500.

Unpaid internships less satisfying. While a solid majority (84 percent) of paid interns said the experience was a good one, a slimmer 54 percent of unpaid interns said the same.

Financial side effects worse for minorities. A higher proportion of unpaid Black and Latino interns (57 percent and 58 percent, respectively) took on debt than did their white peers (39 percent)/

Female, male experiences differ. Fifty-four percent of male unpaid interns later accepted a paid role with the same employer compared with 37 percent of female interns.

Wealthy students have an advantage. With unpaid internships being an unrealistic option for many, 54 percent of Americans agreed that they unfairly give wealthy students a leg up in career advancement. However, those who previously worked an unpaid internship were less likely to say they should be abolished.

Student Loan Hero encourages students or parents to ask these questions before accepting an unpaid internship.

• Are there similar opportunities that come with pay or at least a stipend?
• If not, do the benefits — college credit, career experience, etc. — outweigh the costs?
• Could you live at home or work remotely to cut down on expenses?
• Do you have enough savings or cash flow to manage working for free?
• Would you have time to take on a second, paid position?

“Your answers to these questions should help you determine whether or not to avoid unpaid internships,” the report concluded. “Checking in with your school’s career services department might also be helpful. And don’t forget that these job opportunities aren’t all that unique. Evaluate work-study programs and part-time jobs or even on-campus apprenticeships. They could provide equally important experiences while also contributing to your bottom line.”