Degrees done, pay gone: youth trapped in free work

Across Pakistan, unpaid internships are becoming a common entry point into professional life. But for many young graduates, they are not opportunities of growth—they are periods of unpaid labour under rising financial pressure.

Every year, thousands of students leave universities with degrees and ambition. They enter the job market expecting learning and experience. Instead, many find that the first step into their careers requires working full-time without a salary.

In major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, living costs continue to rise. Rent is high. Transport is expensive. Food and daily expenses add constant pressure. In this environment, working without income is not easy—it is often a financial struggle.

Still, many accept unpaid internships. The reason is simple. Jobs are limited. Competition is intense. Experience has become necessary for almost every entry-level position. Internships are often seen as the only way forward, even if they offer no pay.

In many workplaces, interns are given full responsibilities. They write reports. They manage social media. They assist departments. They meet deadlines like regular employees. Yet they receive no salary, no allowance, and often little guidance.

Some interns describe long working hours and heavy workloads. Tasks are assigned daily. Deadlines are strict. Supervision is minimal. Instead of structured training, many say they are treated as free workers rather than learners.

In some cases, internships continue for weeks or even months. At the end, interns often receive only a certificate. Sometimes, there is no job offer. Just experience added to a CV—and more pressure to find the next opportunity.

Internships are now part of many degree requirements. Universities expect students to complete them before graduation. This makes participation unavoidable. For many students, it is no longer a choice—it is a condition for earning a degree.

While some organisations provide stipends, many do not. Even when payment is offered, it is often too low to cover basic monthly expenses in big cities. Transport alone can consume a large portion of it.

Reports from the job market suggest a growing imbalance. A large number of internships offer no pay at all. A smaller portion provides modest stipends. Only a few offer structured training with proper financial support.

This creates inequality. Students from financially stable families can afford unpaid work. Others cannot. Many capable young people are forced to decline opportunities simply because they cannot manage daily expenses without income.

The problem is not only financial. It also affects confidence and motivation. Long hours without pay can lead to frustration. Many young graduates begin to question their value in the workplace after repeated unpaid roles.

Women face additional challenges. Transport costs, safety concerns, and family expectations make unpaid work even harder. In some cases, families discourage participation if there is no financial return, limiting career exposure.

Another concern is the lack of clear rules. Internship regulations remain weak. There is no strong system defining minimum pay, working hours, or protection standards. This leaves conditions largely dependent on individual employers.

Internationally, the situation is different in many countries. Internships are often paid, especially when they exceed a certain duration. Structured training, clear duties, and basic compensation are commonly required.

In Pakistan, however, the growing number of graduates and limited job openings have changed the balance. Employers receive a constant supply of interns. This makes unpaid positions easier to sustain.

Many companies justify unpaid internships as training. But critics argue that when interns perform real work that supports business operations, their labour has real value and should not be free.

Universities also face questions. While internships are required for graduation, institutions often do not ensure fair standards. Students are placed in different environments with no guarantee of pay or structured learning.

The result is a system that feels uneven. Some interns receive guidance and stipends. Many others receive workload without support. The experience depends entirely on the organisation.

Experts say reform is needed. Clear policies on minimum stipend, duration, and training structure could help balance learning with fairness. Even small financial support can reduce inequality significantly.

Companies are also being urged to change approach. Paid internships, mentorship programs, and transparent hiring pathways are increasingly seen as essential for developing a skilled workforce.

For young graduates, the reality remains difficult. Experience is important. But survival is immediate. When work is full-time and unpaid, it becomes a burden rather than a bridge to opportunity.

As more students enter the job market each year, the debate around unpaid internships continues to grow louder. The question is no longer about experience alone.

It is about fairness.

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