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It seems to be the norm in radio too. I've noticed in talk radio there is always an unpaid intern. You will always hear on air personalities talk about when they were interns too. I'm not sure if it's just deeply ingrained in the culture or that's what the industry considers a good/real education in broadcasting. It kinda makes sense because with software you can build something and use that to show skill and experience but I can see how that's hard to do in other industries.

Assuming that you want to work in that industry, probably your only option is to take the unpaid internship. After you have completed the internship you can report them to the Department of Labor, or if you are really ballsy you can sue for what you should have been paid.

Stay out of that industry and pick one where the supply/demand ratio is healthier.