Course: International Foundation Course

Student ID:		Course: International Foundation Course
Module Title: Academic and Business Communication Skills		Module Code: 3F-ACS-Y.2
Deadline Date: December 24, 2021 until 23:59	Date of submission: (filled by Academic Registrar’s Office)
Word Count (excluding cover page, reference list and title):
Student Declaration: By this submission, I affirm that this work is written by me and that any sources used in this paper are properly acknowledged. I confirm that I am aware of the consequences of the plagiarism.

Argumentative essay: “Should internships be paid?”
Internships have been a subject of debate for years, with some arguing that they should be paid while others believe that they should remain unpaid. While some see internships as an opportunity to gain valuable experience in their chosen field, others view them as a way for companies to exploit young workers. The question of whether or not internships should be paid is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. In this article, we'll take a closer look at both sides of the debate and explore the arguments for and against paid internships.
Paid internships provide a win-win situation for both interns and companies. For interns, receiving compensation for their work can help alleviate financial stress and allow them to focus on their responsibilities without worrying about making ends meet. Additionally, paid internships can attract a wider range of candidates, including those who may not be able to afford an unpaid internship. This can lead to a more diverse and inclusive pool of applicants, which can benefit the company in the long run. Moreover, paid internships can provide a sense of validation for interns, as they feel that their work is valued and appreciated. This can lead to increased motivation and productivity, which can benefit both the intern and the company. In turn, this can lead to a higher likelihood of the intern being hired on as a full-time employee after the internship period ends.
While it may seem counterintuitive, paying interns can actually benefit companies in the long run. By compensating interns for their work, companies are more likely to attract top talent and create a positive reputation within their industry. This can lead to increased brand recognition and better recruitment in the future. Additionally, paid internships can lead to higher productivity and better quality work from interns. When interns feel that their work is valued and appreciated, they are more likely to go the extra mile and produce higher quality work. This can benefit the company by providing fresh perspectives and ideas, as well as improving overall morale within the workplace.
The main objection to paid internships is that they can be expensive for companies, especially smaller ones. Paying interns can add additional costs to the company's budget, and can be difficult to justify if the internship program is not producing tangible results. Additionally, some argue that paid internships can lead to a sense of entitlement among interns, as they may feel that they are owed compensation simply for completing the program. However, these objections can be addressed by implementing a structured internship program that clearly outlines the goals and expectations of both the company and the intern. By setting clear expectations and providing meaningful work for interns to complete, companies can ensure that their investment in the program pays off in the long run.
While paid internships are ideal, there are alternatives that can provide benefits to both interns and companies. One option is to offer academic credit for internships, which can provide a tangible benefit to interns while still allowing companies to operate an unpaid internship program. Additionally, companies can offer other benefits to interns, such as transportation or housing assistance, to help alleviate financial stress. Another alternative is to offer a stipend or scholarship to interns. While this may not fully compensate interns for their work, it can help alleviate some financial burden and provide a sense of validation for their efforts. Additionally, companies can offer mentorship and networking opportunities to interns, which can be just as valuable as financial compensation in the long run.
In most CIS countries, internships are considered employment, and thus interns must receive a salary. The salary must be at least 50-75% of the minimum wage in the region where the internship is taking place. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the internship is part of an educational program or if the intern is performing work that is not usually paid. According to the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an internship is considered to be a form of employment, and as such, interns must be provided with a compensation package. The compensation must be at least equal to the monthly minimum wage, with adjustments being made based on the number of hours worked and the level of skills demonstrated by the intern. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the internship is arranged through educational institutions or if the intern is voluntarily participating
Several companies have implemented successful paid and unpaid internship programs. One example from a global perspective is Google, which offers both paid and unpaid internships to students and recent graduates. Their internship program is highly competitive and attracts top talent from around the world. Additionally, Google provides a wide range of benefits to their interns, including housing and transportation assistance, mentorship opportunities, and access to company events and resources. Another example is the local transnational company, Artel, which offers both paid and unpaid internships to students and recent graduates. Their internship program focuses on providing meaningful work experiences that align with the intern's educational and career goals. Additionally, Artel provides mentorship and networking opportunities to their interns, which can be just as valuable as financial compensation.
In the end, the question of whether or not internships should be paid is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. While unpaid internships can provide valuable learning experiences for students and recent graduates, they can also perpetuate inequality by limiting opportunities to those who can afford to work for free. On the other hand, paid internships can provide financial support for interns and lead to higher quality work and greater diversity within the workplace. Ultimately, the decision to offer paid or unpaid internships should be based on the goals and values of the company and the needs of the interns. By carefully considering the benefits and drawbacks of each option, companies can create an internship program that provides meaningful experiences for interns while also benefiting the company in the long run.
Reference list:
https://hbr.org/2021/05/its-time-to-officially-end-unpaid-internships
https://theconversation.com/to-pay-or-not-to-pay-thats-the-internship-question-107544
https://www.collegian.psu.edu/studentadvice/should-all-internships-be-paid
https://technologyadvice.com/blog/human-resources/company-needs-start-paying-interns/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/do-interns-get-paid