Importance of Internship Compensation

Reflecting on Growth and Fairness in the Games Industry There's one principle I find myself passionately and regularly advocating for: the absolute necessity of offering paid positions, especially to those at the early stages of their careers or stepping into the industry through internships. As someone who typically reserves taking a firm stance, preferring instead to navigate the multifaceted perspectives within our industry, I've come to realize the importance of vocalizing support where it matters most. The discussion around unpaid vs. paid roles is not new, yet it remains a critical point of consideration for the future of our workforce and the ethical foundation of our industry. Why is this so important, particularly in games? 1. Value Recognition: Every individual contributes their unique skill set, creativity, and time. These contributions are valuable and deserve recognition in the form of fair compensation. It's not just about monetary reward but acknowledging the worth of every team member's effort. 2. Access and Equality: Unpaid positions often limit opportunities to those who can afford to work without immediate income, inadvertently creating barriers for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. By ensuring all roles are paid, we open doors wider, fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry. 3. Quality and Commitment: When individuals are compensated, it not only aids in their personal and professional growth but also enhances the quality of work and commitment to the project. A paid role is an investment in the quality of both the team's output and the individual's future. 4. Sustainable Growth: For the gaming industry to continue thriving, nurturing new talent is essential. Offering paid positions is a step toward sustainable growth, ensuring we have a motivated, skilled workforce ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. 5. Preventing Exploitation: Not compensating workers, especially those in early career stages or internships, can cross into exploitation. It takes advantage of their eagerness and need for experience, setting a precedent that their work isn't worthy of pay. This not only devalues their contribution but also perpetuates a cycle of inequity that can stifle industry innovation and diversity. 6. Advocating for Change: We must encourage the practice of calling out unpaid roles and aim to rectify such opportunities through exposure. Highlighting these practices not only raises awareness but also prompts organizations to reconsider their policies. By advocating for fair compensation, we contribute to creating a more equitable and ethical industry. As we look towards the future, let's consider how we can collectively foster an environment that values and supports its workforce from the ground up. The debate around this topic is complex and multifaceted, yet at its core, it's about fairness, respect, and sustainability. #GamesIndustry #FairCompensation #CareerDevelopment #Inclusivity

Yesterday was National Intern Day, and I loved to see all the fun celebrations going on 🥳. But on a serious note ~ we NEED to eliminate unpaid internships. It's been a great, fun summer intern season, and I've especially loved seeing interns building in public and posting content about their internships. But it's 2024, and somehow we're still having the same conversation we've had for the last few decades. Have we forgotten that unpaid internships are not only unethical but *illegal* per the US Labor Code? For employers ~ if you don't have the funds to afford an intern, you can't afford the labor. If you are deriving monetary value from your intern's labor, you need to compensate them for that value. If you truly don't have the funds, go through a university internship program that will compensate the student FOR you. It's not rocket science to figure out how to pay an intern. Unpaid internships *actively* contribute to a lack of equity and diversity. It's no secret that students who are able to take unpaid internships typically come from economically advantaged and privileged backgrounds. By offering an unpaid internship, you immediately eliminate marginalized groups from your applicant pool. It may not be explicitly discriminatory, but it's implicit bias. To top it off, by not paying an intern, you indicate to them that their work is not valued. If you don't value their work, why are you even hiring an intern? For students ~ don't take the unpaid internship. I PROMISE you will not get the value or experience you want or need from that unpaid internship. Why? Because if they're conducting said internship *legally*, they cannot allow you to contribute/work toward anything of value because otherwise, it'd be illegal. Stand your ground, advocate for your value, and hold out for the paid internship. ALSO, unpaid interns are not considered "employees" under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means, as an unpaid intern, you are NOT protected against harassment and discrimination. 😳 I could get on my soapbox for hours and talk about this, but we have yet to see any change. I'm honestly at a bit of a loss for how we can change this on a systemic level, but I'll keep yapping until students aren't taken advantage of for free labor. Anyway, Happy National Intern Day everyone 🙃 PAY YOUR INTERNS. #interns #earlycareers #nationalinternday #students

Real talk yall, how are unpaid internships still a thing? Especially the ones that require 40 hours a week. 🤢🤢 I've been thinking 🤔 about this all weekend and still cant see any industry where this is viable and should be acceptable. Yes, I also mean in medical education 👩⚕️🧑⚕️such as nursing, OT, psychology and so forth. At the very least you should pay minimum wage. Student learners are different if they are observing but not actively participating in labor. Internships can be invaluable for gaining experience, networking, and learning skills, the practice of offering unpaid positions disproportionately affects those who already face barriers in the job market. Here are a few reasons why we need to reconsider this model: 1. **Equity Matters**: Unpaid internships often exclude individuals who cannot afford to work for free. This limits opportunities for talented candidates from diverse backgrounds, perpetuating inequality in our workforce. 2. **Value of Work**: Every contribution made by an intern has value. Companies benefit from their work and fresh perspectives; therefore, compensating them fairly is not just ethical, but a recognition of their contributions. 3. **Quality Over Quantity**: When internships are unpaid, the focus can shift from meaningful learning to merely filling a role. Paid internships encourage organizations to invest in their interns, leading to better training, mentorship, and ultimately, a more productive work environment. 4. **Setting Precedents**: Allowing unpaid internships implies that it’s acceptable to undervalue certain types of work. We should aim to create an environment that respects and compensates every level of contribution. Let’s strive for a future where internships are paid, inclusive, and equitable. Together, we can help create a professional landscape that recognizes talent and offers opportunities to all, regardless of financial background. #EndUnpaidInternships #EquityInTheWorkplace #InternshipReform #CareerOpportunities #DiversityAndInclusion

It's intern season again, which means it's time for your regular reminder that interns are not "free labor". They are valuable members of your team (and future industry leaders) who deserve dignity and PAY. Unpaid internships contribute to inequality and exploitation, and they create a barrier to economic mobility. And before anybody tells me about how unpaid interns will get so much valuable experience... ask yourself: why should those experiences only be available to people who can afford to work without pay? Read the research here: https://lnkd.in/e_CY3iyR