Conde Nast-y? Popular Magazine Publisher Conde Nast Ends Intern Program

Many college students, particularly those studying Journalism, Public Relations, Business, Marketing and/or Fashion, dream of making it big in New York City as a magazine editors, PR directors or celebrity stylists.  Each day, these students work hard both in and out of the classroom to achieve their unique career goals and aspirations.  As we have discussed, internships are often a great way to network and secure a full time position post-graduation.  Unfortunately, those students looking to pave the way to their dream job through an internship with Conde Nast are out of luck.

            Yesterday, the popular publishing company and owner of big-name magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ, announced that they have opted to end their internship program.  This decision comes after two interns, one of whom claimed they were paid under minimum wage for their work at W Magazine, sued the company this past June. 

            Conde Nast is not the only organization to have suffered from legal issues regarding company internship programs.   Other well-known corporations, such as Fox Searchlight and Hearst, have faced lawsuits surrounding their internship programs as well.

            As student-interns, it is important to know your rights—particularly if you are working as an unpaid intern.  The Department of Labor lists six requirements for companies offering unpaid internships:

1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in an educational environment;
2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern;
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff;       
4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded;
5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and
6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship

*If you are an unpaid intern and feel that your internship is not meeting the aforementioned criteria, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your career counselor at your college or university.  Internships are designed to be a positive experience for both the employer and student.  Do not be afraid to express any concerns you may have with an advisor or a professor that you trust. 

            For all of you mourning the loss of the Conde Nast internship program, turn that frown upside down!  There are plenty of other internship opportunities that can help prepare you for an entry-level job at this corporation after you finish college.  As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.  Use this story as motivation to begin your search for your next internship!