‘will start at a competitive disadvantage because they have had to work rather than take crucial, but often unpaid, professional internships that provide key skills for entering the workforce,”’
Not at any company Ive ever worked for...all interns were paid, well. At any rate college hires were never at an extreme disadvantage b/c they didnt have work experience in their field of study. Those who made good grades always had a place. That said, the biggest disadvantage these days sit in the WH and Congress. Theyre the real problem college grads are having problems finding work. That and many are graduating w/ majors in subjects not worth much.
Why, oh why, do we need people to waste their time working useless “public service” internships? I’d say their “disadvantage” is actually to society’s benefit, as it will provide them motivation to work jobs that will actually produce things.