A recent poll of over 1,200 recent graduates has revealed a growing disparity in the availability and accessibility of internships. Half of these graduates have undertaken internships, marking a 12% increase since 2018. However, the gap between working-class and middle-class graduates engaging in such opportunities has widened significantly over the same period. This increasing divide highlights the pressing issue of unpaid internships and its impact on social mobility.
The study found that the proportion of working-class graduates completing internships stands at 36%, compared to 55% for their middle-class counterparts. This widening gap, from 12% in 2018 to 20% currently, underscores the challenges faced by those from less affluent backgrounds. The data also revealed that around three-fifths of internships were unpaid or underpaid, with many concentrated in affluent areas like London.
Graduates in London are significantly more likely to have undertaken an internship than those in other regions such as the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Scotland, and Wales. The Sutton Trust's research highlights that internships are nearly twice as likely to be secured through personal connections rather than official advertisements, further exacerbating inequalities.
"To others who search for larger internships – from their perspective, maybe that wasn't the best choice. But for me it was… I had a great experience." – Erin
Erin Cruickshank, a 20-year-old student from the University of St Andrews, chose a paid position at a charity in Edinburgh over an unpaid role. She emphasized the importance of seeking experiences that align with personal goals rather than prestigious names.
"If that means I'm not taking experiences in what others might consider a large name or big business, I take experiences I know will still expand my skillset and help me take steps towards my future." – Erin
Many graduates who undertake unpaid internships rely on financial support from parents, live with family or friends, or use personal savings. This reliance on external support is a luxury not afforded to everyone, as highlighted by Chiera Mclaughlin, a law student at the University of Glasgow.
"Balancing whether you want to get experience in the industry you want to work in, or if you have money for food" – Chiera Mclaughlin
Chiera further noted the challenge of accepting unpaid positions due to financial constraints.
"There's not that freedom to accept unpaid positions" – Chiera Mclaughlin
Moreover, she remarked on the rarity of paid early work experiences in certain fields like law.
"To get any early work experience in law, it's expected that you wouldn't get paid for it" – Chiera Mclaughlin
"If I was trying to get experience in say corporate law or at a law firm of some sort, it seems really difficult to even get your foot in the door if you don't maybe know someone there" – Chiera Mclaughlin
The issue of unpaid internships significantly contributes to the widening access gap among graduates. Labour's 'Make Work Pay' plan aims to address this by banning unpaid internships unless they are part of an educational or training course.
The Sutton Trust, a social mobility charity responsible for this research, underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure equal access to internship opportunities. As internships become increasingly vital for career progression, addressing these disparities is crucial for bridging the social mobility gap.
