Talented Youth: A Call for More Realistic Internship Opportunities Nationwide
Graduates nationwide leave university with debt and years of study behind them to enter a world of work experience and entry level job opportunities. How accessible are these opportunities? Well, in some cases, not very, with the trend of auctioning internships gaining attention.
Although some organisations claim the money goes to charity, this still prices graduates from a lower income background out of the running, prompting elitism. Even with internships that are not priced, it is still difficult for graduates to fill positions that are often unpaid for a long period of time. The quality of some internships is also brought in to question with some interns finding the experience gained unhelpful in finding paid work, because of the basic and menial nature of their tasks.
In London, it is apparent that there is a struggle with high living expenses and job opportunities requiring 6 months to a year’s worth of work experience. Is this a fair introduction into the working world after dedicating years to study? No it is not. Employers, Universities and the Government should have far closer links than they currently do to produce more realistic positions for those finishing university.
As it currently stands the Government has been promoting more paid and unpaid internships. This effort is not enough, with a backlash still looming from 2008 and 2009 graduates. Soon the 2010 graduates will join the job market too, with thousands more seeking paid and unpaid employment.
Other options emerging involve utilising the Internet, with Web internships giving graduates the opportunity to work from home while gaining experience and networking within their chosen industry. Web internships are a positive development that can ease the difficulty of travel and food expenses for an intern.
More should be done on a local level too, offering more internships within local authorities. At least if young people have good options locally, living expenses could be cut and financial pressure lowered. The UK needs to do more for graduates, or face losing its youthful talent to other parts of the global village.
(Photo courtesy Thomas Hawk @Flickr)
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