Who Can Afford to Work for Free?

Who Can Afford To Work for Free

“You really have to try your best not to show how tired you are.”

This is how a current AUP senior describes her experience as an unpaid intern in Paris at a production company. Working 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., she spent long days on her feet setting up equipment, running errands, and ensuring everything met company standards. Despite feeling burned out, she felt constant pressure to appear enthusiastic, especially when working with high-profile clients.

“Yes, I was very tired,” she says. “But you really have to try your best not to show it.”

How Much Is "Experience" Really Worth?

Her experience reflects a broader reality of internship culture for students eager to build their résumés. Whether studying the arts or business, unpaid internships are often presented as essential stepping stones toward employment. They promise exposure, networking, and professional credibility.

But at what cost?

Many students rarely question their roles, even when they find themselves performing work comparable to or exceeding, that of paid employees.

When It’s More Than What You Signed up For

The student requested anonymity due to concerns about her professional reputation and potential repercussions. According to her, the responsibilities she agreed to extended far beyond what was initially outlined.

“There were two interns, and we basically worked as production assistants during photoshoots,” she explains. In addition to assisting on set, they were tasked with running errands across the city, including purchasing and delivering gifts for clients. “It felt like we were responsible for making sure everything was in order.”

The workload was unpredictable. “Some days were shorter and mostly computer work,” she says. “But on photoshoot days, we were there all day.” Because the schedule depended entirely on production needs, establishing boundaries proved difficult.

Unpaid, but Still an Employee

Although the position was unpaid, the power dynamic mirrored that of a traditional employer-employee relationship.

“It was hard to say no,” she says. “Even if you’re not getting paid, it still feels like a boss–employee relationship.”

Refusing tasks or questioning expectations felt risky. She feared being perceived as ungrateful or uncommitted. That pressure to appear grateful became an unspoken expectation. “As an intern, you feel like you have to do what you’re told,” she says. Long hours and expanding responsibilities created a level of exhaustion that was quietly normalized.

So Who Can Actually Afford the Opportunity?

Finances further complicated the situation. As a college student, she needed to work a second job to support herself during the internship.

“That made things really difficult,” she explains, noting that she sometimes had to choose between paid work and internship obligations. She compared her situation to peers whose parents could financially support them.

“Without that support, I don’t think this internship would have been realistic.”

Reflecting on the experience, she believes the company benefited more than she did. “I learned a lot, but there were moments when my time was taken advantage of,” she says.

Without financial stability, flexible support systems, or the ability to work long hours without pay, who can truly afford to work for free?