From fetching chai to handling live clients, internships promise "experience" - but do they really bridge the gap between college and career? Many students say no.

A marketing intern at a top agency shares, "I was just doing Excel work, no strategy, no feedback." For others, the issue is worse - unpaid roles disguised as learning, with no mentorship and plenty of grunt work. In a world obsessed with LinkedIn achievements, internships sometimes feel more performative than practical.

That said, not all internships are hollow. Some students find roles that teach real-world communication, decision-making, and how office culture actually works. "My internship didn't teach me theory - but it showed me how people negotiate in boardrooms", says one commerce student.

The truth? It depends. Internships often reflect the same inequalities that plague the job market: unpaid roles, lack of access, and nepotism. But for those who land meaningful gigs - and push to learn - they can be stepping stones. The key is demanding value, not just a line on your resume.