Fashion – That ever so coveted industry that many dream to be a part of but inevitably struggle to break into. Even some of the biggest music stars have admittedly used their celebrity status to reinforce their credibility and influence in the fashion world. There is certainly no shortage of ‘helping hands’ in the huge fashion power houses, filled to the brim with thousands of aspiring designers trying to get their big break. But beneath the glitz and glamour associated with travelling the world, mingling with A-listers and countless fashion weeks, lays in some cases, the unsettling reality of unpaid internships, working around the clock and uncertainty of progression.
But how do companies get away with this and why would anyone give up ALL their time for free? I hear you cry. Supply and Demand. Large corporations know that if you want it that bad- you will. And if you won’t, there are many others that will. As harsh as that may sound, it is the unfortunate reality that many fashion graduates face leaving university, and this has sparked a backlash within Student Unions across the country who campaign against unpaid internships.
In October 2017, research published by the Social Mobility Commission demonstrated that that well over 3000 adults surveyed in a YouGov poll were in favour of interns being paid if they have worked in an organisation for longer than a month. Many employers offering unpaid internships will now usually cover the travel costs associated with an intern working for them.
Without a doubt, having the relevant experience within a field has become an essential aspect of securing a graduate job. Many students and graduates undergo internships to make their CV’s more robust and to hopefully secure a permanent role in an organisation that has experienced the added value they bring to the company. The National Association of Colleges & Employers 2012 Student Survey found that around 60% of university graduates who completed an internship received at least one job offer.
So should you go ahead and do an unpaid internship? Essentially, it boils down to a total evaluation of the value of your internship, whether it will bring you the skills and experience you need to progress. Ask yourself, am I learning new things and making useful industry contacts? If so, it may be worth your while but if not, you may need to find your way out- professionally of course!