10/25/2023

Supporting the #UnpaidisUnfair campaign

The National Career Development Association (NCDA), the largest organization serving career practitioners and educators globally, affirms our alignment with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in their #UnpaidisUnfair campaign calling for federal action to ensure all internships are paid. 

As highlighted in the NACE position statement, “students who take part in paid internships receive more job offers and garner higher starting salaries than those who participate in unpaid internships,” which is an equity issue given that “women, Black, Hispanic, and first-generation students were underrepresented in paid internships” (NACE Position Statement, 2023). This issue not only impacts the career development of the students and clients NCDA career professionals serve, but many such professionals also engage in internships themselves. Thus, NCDA reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and advocacy (DEIBA) through our alignment and solidarity with NACE on this issue.

The NCDA Government Relations Committee will bring attention to tracking and supporting the Federal Intern Protection Act. Further, NCDA as a whole, through our Board of Directors and Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee, will continue to advocate for equity in our profession and for the students and clients we serve.