Unpaid Summer Internship - NJ Dept of Banking & Insurance

[Le Bernardin]

Originally Posted by nonactuarialactuary

I'm sure the candidates were great. As someone else mentioned, there are more candidates than spots available. Doesn't make it any less exploitative for an employer to offer it though.

Fortunately, employers offering unpaid internships are starting to get hit with class action lawsuits like the one below:

http://unpaidinternslawsuit.com/

[lifishing007]

From personal experience, I have a high regard for government internship as a career starter.

[mathmajor]

Sorry but I have to bite at this one. I'm sure LL didn't just decide on having unpaid interns; the criticism is more general.

But yea, there's already a big enough socioeconomic divide when it comes to higher education, but now we're throwing into the mix the ability to afford to live unsupported in New Jersey to get experience.

It's terrible, also, that a state entity would exploit people that way. That corrupt state can afford the $15/hr for an intern.

[therealsylvos]

Originally Posted by mathmajor

Sorry but I have to bite at this one. I'm sure LL didn't just decide on having unpaid interns; the criticism is more general.

But yea, there's already a big enough socioeconomic divide when it comes to higher education, but now we're throwing into the mix the ability to afford to live unsupported in New Jersey to get experience.

It's terrible, also, that a state entity would exploit people that way. That corrupt state can afford the $15/hr for an intern.

15/hr is probably more than what they offer EL.

[Lois Lane]

IANAL, but the link does not apply. We don't get any financial benefit from this, and we don't get interns in lieu of paid employees. I actually end up spending more hours training the person (who leaves in 2 months) than I would spend doing the work myself. I do it because I enjoy teaching and helping actuarial students. If I stop giving my time for this program, it pretty much ends.

I will not be responding further.

[Moderator37]

Originally Posted by Lois Lane

I wasn't sure where to put this because the rules for that thread indicated "no outside links". Thanks for letting me know. I'll contact Tom.

moved to open job listings, Health.

[nonactuarialactuary]

Originally Posted by Lois Lane

IANAL, but the link does not apply. We don't get any financial benefit from this, and we don't get interns in lieu of paid employees. I actually end up spending more hours training the person (who leaves in 2 months) than I would spend doing the work myself. I do it because I enjoy teaching and helping actuarial students. If I stop giving my time for this program, it pretty much ends.

I will not be responding further.

Fair enough. I’m sure your intentions are good and your legal department has made sure the program complies with federal wage laws. My criticisms weren't really directed at you or this position in particular.

Instead, my criticisms are directed at the general concept of unpaid internships. In my opinion, offering unpaid internships is an abhorrent practice that preys on young people’s desire for experience at all costs. Paying $8/hour, or whatever the NJ minimum wage is, just seems like the ethical thing to do.

[Lois Lane]

Originally Posted by Pikachu

can i still apply if i graduated already?

The program is for college students only. Students pursuing a graduate level degree are eligible.

[therealsylvos]

Shh. You'll start a trend.

[sassafras]

Originally Posted by Lois Lane

IANAL, but the link does not apply. We don't get any financial benefit from this, and we don't get interns in lieu of paid employees. I actually end up spending more hours training the person (who leaves in 2 months) than I would spend doing the work myself. I do it because I enjoy teaching and helping actuarial students. If I stop giving my time for this program, it pretty much ends.

I will not be responding further.

I think what you're doing is great.

Personal question that you can ignore if you want - if you live in the Philly burbs, how do you qualify for a state job in NJ? Thought you had to live in NJ to have a state job in NJ.