Episode 135: The Ethics of Internships

Internships can be a game-changer for both students and small businesses. They provide eager talent with real-world experience while helping business owners tackle important tasks. But here's the catch—internships should always be paid. In this episode of Brand for Good, I'm sharing why I have never, and will never, hire an unpaid intern. I talk about my own experience as a paid PR intern at a comedy club—how that summer gave me confidence, hands-on experience, and an incredible learning opportunity. That experience shaped the way I see internships today and set the standard for how I hire interns in my own business. I also dive into the data—why paid interns receive more job offers, how unpaid internships create barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds, and why a Brand for Good should never expect young professionals to work for free. If you're a business owner, I challenge you to rethink your approach to internships—and do better. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why internships are a win-win for students and businesses ✅ The eye-opening statistics on paid vs. unpaid internships ✅ How unpaid internships create barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds ✅ Why ethical brands should always pay their interns ✅ Practical alternatives if your business is on a tight budget 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with your network and leave a review! Let's create a world where businesses do good—including for their interns. Resources & Links 📌 Follow me on LinkedIn 📌 Learn more about Brand for Good at Prosper for Purpose 📌 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) internship research: www.naceweb.org Brand for Good Links Email your thoughts about this episode: [email protected] Join the Peerless Brands Facebook community by Prosper for Purpose: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peerlessbrands Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineschuchart/ Follow Lorraine on Instagram: @lorraineschuchart Follow Prosper for Purpose on Instagram: @prosper4purpose Additional resources from Prosper for Purpose: https://www.prosperforpurpose.com Get full access to Lorraine Schuchart at lorraineschuchart.substack.com/subscribe