This is a really contentious subject. I really do feel like my unpaid internships got my foot in the door when I was otherwise unqualified on paper. Once they w

This is a really contentious subject. I really do feel like my unpaid internships got my foot in the door when I was otherwise unqualified on paper. Once they were able to see what I was capable of on a day to day basis, I was given a lot more responsibility and security. Certainly we should strive to pay people for the hours they put in. But anything that results in access to better employment opportunities is a plus in my book. Lastly, the transaction should be voluntary. The employer is free to hire someone at no cost if the worker is willing to accept it. The worker can leave at any time, such as if they get a better (paid) opportunity, or if they decide that they actually don't like the line of work.