You report on the Sutton Trust’s demand that all internships lasting four weeks or longer should be paid, to close the social mobility gap (Unpaid internships ‘locking out’ young working-class people from careers, 23 January). However, the article did not fully address the fact that many internships and work placements are, in essence, “nepo-adjacent” – they are largely secured through industry contacts rather than open competition.
Many of my journalism students come from marginalised groups based on race, ethnicity and class. With limited industry connections, they can face significant barriers which result in restricted job opportunities and hinder their social mobility. In response, I’ve worked to level the playing field for them by founding the London Met Journalism Diversity Network. This initiative helps students gain access to opportunities, broadens their professional networks, and improves graduate outcomes.
As a result, around 50% of second-year students enrolled in our journalism work placement module now land placements through the network, including organisations previously out of reach, such as the BBC, Sky News, Sky Sports, and Marie Claire and Grazia magazines.
These placements take place for just two weeks during the academic year, making paid opportunities less of a necessity. Several students have already landed graduate jobs as a result of these placements. As successful as it is, I look forward to the day when the network no longer needs to exist.
Wendy Sloane
Associate professor in journalism, London Metropolitan University
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