Summer Media Internship

My internship is unpaid, however, the company pays for my lunch (up to $10 daily) and for a metrocard, although only the exact cost of travel to and from their offices ($13/week).

My tasks are varied; some are menial, while others mirror tasks which would be assigned to any paid employee. A perfect example of deciding what’s appropriate and what exploitation is is my day, yesterday.

Yesterday, I spent 13 hours in studio. We were shooting videos for BE’s upcoming iPad app.  Some of my duties included having breakfast catered, meeting guests as they arrived at the studio, directing them, making sure they were always comfortable, along with several other errands.  I feel that these tasks are normal, and can (and should) be handled by any intern. My other tasks were a bit more involved, however. I sat right next to the producers, and the VP Director of Broadcast, as we shot clips for the app. They listened carefully as each guest spoke, making sure that their lines were said clearly and correctly. They made sure the shots were right, and edited scripts to perfection. As I said, I was sitting with them; I did far more than sit, though. I did the same work. Several times, I caught errors which they missed, and made suggestions which were very helpful in production. I also, in several instances, helped fixed the guests hair and makeup, despite the fact that a makeup artist was present; she was paid $650 for the day.

At the end of the 13 hour day, one of my supervisors, a production associate, arranged for a limousine to pick me up and take me home, saving me an hour-and-a-half long commute, and keeping my pennies in my pocket. The ride cost the company close to $90.

As interns, we are exploited. Because I attend summer classes at Baruch and go to my internship (oftentimes more than the 13 hours I am scheduled for weekly), I don’t really have time to work. I need to be paid. I wouldn’t even ask for more than minimum wage, a small stipend would do. I feel that the company often wastes money in areas which could be used to pay me. I do the same work as paid employees, so much that if I didn’t make it known that I was an intern, no one would know.

On the other hand, the value of experience is so great that it contributes to me being paid in the future. I am treated very well at BE, with great respect and kindness. Although I always do what I am asked, they’ve never put me in the position to be the “get the coffee” kind of intern. The company takes excellent care of me. Like I said, I have a daily $10/limit for lunch, but yesterday, I had 3 catered meals just like everyone else. They also made sure that I got home safely, and comfortably. When it comes time for their two shows to air on television, my name will be rolling in the credits.

So what’s the point of the story? This is something which will always be up for debate. I can neither agree nor disagree. It’s a win/lose/win situation. I can only compare this to being kidnapped (at will?) by a family richer than your own, who takes care of you as long as you walk the dog and wash the dishes. *shrug*