Wow, I don't know what is more shocking. The fact that the company fired an entire class of interns, or that the advice columnist would side with the managers a

Wow, I don't know what is more shocking. The fact that the company fired an entire class of interns, or that the advice columnist would side with the managers and chide the interns further. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the interns' proposal... regardless of whether the issue is important enough to start a petition for, it is NEVER ok to fire someone for making a polite and respectful proposal. It is NEVER ok to make someone feel as though they aren't important enough to put forward suggestions. Not only is it morally disgusting, it is organizationally dysfunctional. Teams operate best when every member feels empowered to make suggestions and improve upon the status quo. Teams operate best when those in power don't use their power to intimidate and silence those with less power. If there's one takeaway from all this, it is how dysfunctional the the workplace is for most people, and how important it is to protect yourself by planning ahead. Work your ass off and attend an elite university. Pick a profession that's in-demand, so you'll have plenty of options. Otherwise, you're going to be at the mercy of egomaniacs who have no qualms over firing you at the drop of a hat.