Are interns entitled to pay?

Interns are not universally entitled to pay as it depends on various factors including the nature of the internship, the company's policies, and compliance with labor laws. In many places, unpaid internships are permissible as long as they meet certain criteria, such as being primarily educational and benefitting the intern more than the employer.

If an internship meets the definition of a true educational experience, it may not require compensation, making the statement that interns are not entitled to pay accurate in many contexts. This situation is more common in industries where internships are offered to provide practical experiences and networking opportunities rather than traditional employment roles.

Conversely, some paid internships do exist and may be linked to specific educational programs or be mandated by certain company policies. However, this does not negate the principle that not all interns must receive pay. Overall, the determination of whether interns are compensated can vary widely and is influenced by numerous legal and organizational factors.