Internship Horror Stories!

Nothing crushes a wide-eyed, enthusiastic intern like being ordered to clean out a moldy supply closet. For all the great internships out there, there are still plenty of terrible ones too. Former interns open up to us about their worst experiences.

Every internship comes with a little busy work, but some companies outright exploit their youngest, often unpaid employees. In our reporting for America's Coolest Internships, we came across many innovative companies that go to great lengths to create a rewarding experience for their interns. Which got us thinking about the ones that don't. And now, a look at some decidedly un-cool internships -- as described by the former interns who lived through them. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

"Interning at a major New York City magazine, my duties were entirely administrative -- and by administrative, I mean manual labor. Hauling box after box of heavy magazines not only taught me nothing, but it also made me break my heels twice! (Yes, heels were required for the job.) I was also asked to clean out a supply closet that hadn't been touched in many years, which was filled with dust and mold that made me feel sick. On another day, I was asked to fill in for the receptionist/assistant and to do my regular intern duties -- with no help. That meant I was not allowed to leave my seat, and therefore was not allowed to eat for a solid 10 hours. When I finally asked another intern to hold my seat for five minutes while I ran to make photocopies, she berated me for bothering her. I gave notice the next day." -- Journalist, 23

"I worked for a big corporation doing nothing. When I try to think back on what I did, I honestly can't remember a single task except for the task of trying to find work. On top of that, the head HR lady tried to get me in trouble on more than one occasion for inappropriate dress. On casual day, I wore jeans and a professional short-sleeved v-neck shirt, but she claimed that it was too revealing (she said that when I lifted my arms or bent over you could see my underwear). In her office, she made me lift my arms and bend over as a test... which failed because my clothes were fine." -- Consultant, 24

"When I worked for a PR firm in New York, all I did was stuff envelopes and go to the company's events. At one of these, I had to wear skin tight, bright green, '70s peace-sign print PJ bottoms, hoola hoop by the door, and play Twister with other interns as guys watched. Note: it was unpaid." -- Assistant Producer, 24

"My public relations internship with a fashion designer in Manhattan somehow turned into a packing and shipping internship. I spent my days in the back room with the other interns, sending stuff to upscale stores. There were about 15 interns and 10 full-time employees, so they really took advantage. There was no compensation and I worked there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and sometimes on weekends. Once, at a fashion shoot, I was asked to go to CVS and buy makeup and brushes for the models with my own money. I refused. I think some grunt work is expected in an internship, but if you're looking for insight into the industry, it's just not fair to sit in the back and not learn." -- Student, 20

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