Unpaid Internships = Slavery?

I feel compelled to make a brief shout-out to Slade Villena over on Gamasutra: Unpaid Internships are crap. I modify this by clarifying unpaid internships are indeed crap in-a-hat when offered by for-profit companies, outside of an educational environment (ie. after graduation), which I think was Slade's intent anyways.

Regardless, I agree: Those of you who take these sorts of internships are perpetuating a cycle that not only cheapens the talents and capabilities of all job-searchers, but are giving companies no reason to modify their behavior.

Please Stop. Now.

Yes, I sympathize. But quite frankly, I'm not particularly interested in constructing a huge argument on this subject (if you want a more balanced one, go to Businessweek or the New York Times). I will forever fail to see the benefits of this exploitation outweigh the destitution those of us without trust funds and loaded or connected families have to endure to maintain these positions. Yes, unpaid internships offer Professional Experience! On-the-Job Training! and (maybe) Potential Promotion to a (overworked) Full-Time position (if you're lucky) with good (bad) pay!

Believe me, I understand. With the prospects of returning to Starbucks looming ever darker on my occupational horizon, I'd love nothing more than an "in" to some willing game company. But am I also willing to completely uproot myself and go live in a wet hole somewhere on the west coast with coupon-bought ramen to do so?

What do you think?

While I love the gaming industry to tears, I'm simply not so desperate as to quiver at the slightest touch of its divine big toe. As Slade put it, gambling with no chips means prostrating yourself before the fickle mercy of a company with Far More Important concerns and goals than you. Sure, unpaid internships can get you experience, but how the hell do you intend to bargain successfully for a good salary with no previous salary history to speak of? Protip: You can't.

No chips. No dice. No moohlah, buckos.

Believe me, I'm stuck in the big conundrum here, too. How does one get a job as a game developer/writer/community manager that demands 2+ years industry experience when every. similar. job. demands the same? Yes, I'm aware of the job-seeker's subtleties: Qualification listings are ideal; sell yourself, and maybe you can convince HR that they can waive that experience requirement. Maybe. If they call you. Or have their phones on.


...


Did you read my previous post about silence?

I truly have no beef with HR. They have a job to do, and with the job market swamped with candidates, their job isn't getting any easier. Not to mention all those experienced employees getting laid off in recent months, prospects for us newbies certainly aren't improving by leaps.

But to not be entirely negative, as I wouldn't still be here blithering on if I thought sticking it out were utterly pointless, here are a few suggestions to keep you going:

1. Take this time to sharpen your skills. Be it through more classes, certifications, or even through online solo tutorials if you can't afford the former two, don't waste the lull to depression. It's really, really not fun.
   
2. Try working on an independent game solo or with a group of people. It likely won't turn a profit, but the risks are minimal. Then again, it might be a hit.
3. Keep up with industry news and scuttlebutt. You never know, it might apply to you.
4. Start a blog. *cough*
5. But most importantly, keep on trucking! I think (eventually) the industry will be made better by those of us that have the dedication and perseverance to keep trying, despite the hurdles.
   

Good luck!

MCH