Rethinking intern labour in the context of a precarious economic environment : a case of students of higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study has been necessitated by a dearth in empirical research on experiences of interns in economically challenged economies, particularly in the Global South. The study aimed at investigating challenges of interns that are precipitated by a poorly performing economy. Qualitative interpretivist approach was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 participants, 20 of which were students who had returned from an internship programme and 5 were key informants drawn from organisations’ human resource departments. Participants were purposively sampled. Although benefits can be derived from internship programmes, an economically unstable environment can pose challenges to such programmes. Challenges include difficulties in securing internship placements, abusive and exploitative relationships, non-payment, discrepancy between one’s field and what they do in organisations as interns and closures of organisations before students are assessed. Some organisations are deliberately taking advantage of the deteriorating economic situation to continuously hire interns who are paid nothing at best and little at worst in a bid to cut down on costs. The study recommends the establishment of mandatory codes of conduct on internship programmes by the organisations and the Ministry of Higher Education. Academic institutions should also enter into MoUs with organisations on issues pertaining to internship programmes.