Entrée dans la vie professionnelle Comment les stages peuvent accroître les inégalités

In Switzerland, the disparity in internship conditions has sparked growing concern over how unpaid or poorly paid internships may exacerbate social inequalities among young professionals entering the workforce. The issue came into focus after reports highlighted contrasting experiences between students who received fair compensation and those who worked without pay. In Geneva, Thomas Villaman completed a well-paid internship with a pharmaceutical company, earning between 2,000 and 3,000 Swiss francs per month, along with additional benefits such as free meals and access to fitness programs. His experience contrasted sharply with that of another student, identified only as Nina*, who worked six months at a non-profit organization in Geneva without receiving any salary. The differences in working conditions and remuneration for interns vary significantly depending on the employer and location. While some companies offer structured support, clear projects, and even academic credit, others rely heavily on interns to perform tasks typically reserved for full-time employees. Nina described her workplace as being entirely staffed by interns, with minimal supervision and no promised training opportunities. She noted that long hours were common, and she did not receive the professional development she had been led to expect. Switzerland lacks national regulations governing the payment of interns, leaving the responsibility largely to cantonal laws or collective labor agreements. This lack of standardization allows employers considerable discretion in setting terms for internships. Student organizations have raised concerns, pointing out that fewer internship positions exist than interested candidates, giving employers leverage to dictate conditions. Accepting an unpaid internship often forces students to depend on personal savings or family support, potentially disadvantaging those from less affluent backgrounds. Beyond the question of pay, sociologist Dominique Glaymann argues that the increasing reliance on internships reflects a broader transformation in the labor market. He refers to this trend as “practicization,” noting that many roles once filled by entry-level professionals are now occupied by interns. What was intended as a stepping stone into employment is increasingly becoming a barrier for those unable to afford unpaid work. This shift raises questions about whether internships truly enhance job prospects or merely serve as a means for employers to reduce costs. Some businesses have embraced the model of employing interns as a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time workers. A startup specializing in natural cosmetics in Neuchâtel employs two interns alongside seven permanent staff members. The company’s managing director, Paul Liurette, explained that interns generally cost about half as much as new graduates. This financial incentive contributes to the continued growth of internships, despite ongoing debates about their impact on career opportunities. Critics argue that there is little evidence to suggest that completing multiple internships improves the chances of securing a permanent position. Yet, the demand for interns persists, driven by both economic considerations and the perception that hands-on experience is essential for employability. As a result, the role of internships continues to evolve, reflecting broader changes in how young professionals navigate the transition from education to employment. The debate over the value and fairness of internships shows no signs of abating, with calls for greater transparency and regulation to ensure that these experiences do not deepen existing inequalities in the labor market.