Lawyer Warns Some Oregon Summer Internships Are Actually Exploitation in Disguise

Is a summer job internship or exploitation? A lawyer has some advice on identifying the red flags.

Are Summer Jobs  Internships Or Exploitation?

As thousands of students and recent graduates across Oregon take on summer internships, nationally recognized attorney Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase has pointed out that some internships may not be the stepping stones they appear to be and could be legal minefields in disguise.

Often seen as a rite of passage for young professionals, especially in competitive industries. Internships can be fraught with difficulties, and recently, the rise of unpaid or vaguely defined roles has raised concerns among career advisors and legal experts.

Chase says that while interns are often told to be grateful for the experience, they frequently deliver real value to a company. Yet, they get nothing in return — not even proper training.

Chase said, “That’s not an internship. That’s exploitation.”

5 Red Flags That Suggest Your Internship Is Exploitation

Chase highlighted five key red flags to look out for when accepting or continuing a summer internship:

• No clear job description: Legitimate internships have a defined learning plan. If you’re told to “figure it out as you go” or “wear many hats,” beware.
• No pay or structured learning: Under labor law, unpaid internships must follow specific conditions, and the experience must benefit the intern more than the employer. If you’re doing menial work or have no mentor, the balance is likely off.
• You’re doing the job of a regular employee: writing proposals, handling customers, or being left in charge is the domain of paid employees —it’s not legal unless you’re paid. Interns can support teams, not replace them.
• No mentorship or guidance: When nobody checks on your progress or offers feedback, there’s a problem. Interns are supposed to have someone to learn from whom they can turn to and ask questions. As empowering as figuring it out yourself sounds, the reality is that the company usually just isn’t invested in your development.
• Vague promises or unreasonable time demands: When you have to stay late, work weekends, or put in extra hours to prove yourself, it’s a red flag telling you that the role is more about filling gaps than supporting your growth, especially if you’re working like a full-time employee without the pay.

What to Do if You’re Being Exploited As An Intern

• Document everything- dates, tasks, communications, and expectations.
• Bring concerns to a school advisor or career services office if the internship was arranged through an academic program.

The goal is to shift the narrative around internships – from vague, unpaid rites of passage to structured, mutually beneficial experiences. Chase said, “Interns deserve clarity, respect, and an actual learning opportunity.”