Internship .. who wins?

Internship - is it exploitation of the internees? Slave labour? free labour? or a wise business decision on the part of the business?

The news is peppered with the tales of dispair of university graduates, and school leavers with regard to getting employed.  One hears of the rage of parents hearing how their children are being exploited by the employers.

Whilst indeed the perspectives above are very understandable - does such helpless rage make any difference to the situation? 

I wonder whether the opportunity for a reframe isn't being missed here....

For those experiencing the short-term, low-paid/unpaid internships:-   how about - 'an opportunity to learn fast from an organisation with no obligation to stay, and so to serially gain experience faster than if formally employed.  (Most frequently the learning opportunities in permanent employment fall off radically after the first few months - so longterm employment with one company is perhaps not good for anything except for the reqular paycheck and decreasing motivation).

Also -'The adaptability required by having to go into many different employers builds resilience, flexibility and keeps you alert.'

and 'The experiences you gain from a variety of different employers  could accelerate your skills accumulation many times, over those who go into long term employment very quickly -  thus if you sell it at interview - a great asset.' 

The other side of the coin for businesses could be:-
Businesses who revel in the belief that they are getting work done cheap or for free, may be on the losing side.  They can be giving away their secrets and benefitting the next company more than their own.  In fact what they are engaging in -  is total waste. 

Ethicly, in my view the minimum wage and basic expenses should always be paid to internees.  To not do so is exploitation - so internees always make sure that you learn everything you can, add every skill you gain to your cv, and at interview apply the skills you have gained to every possible requirement for the post you are applying for.

Learning to re-frame situations inorder to get the most out of them and your life and happiness is key to your longterm success, and happiness.  Always be alert for the opportunities that are around you, and have your eye on the longterm goal, whilst doing your best, always.