New Legal Standards for Unpaid Internships: Implications for the Hospitality and Tourism Field

Work experience is an increasingly important dimension to undergraduate students as they prepare for professional careers. It is of particular importance in the hospitality and tourism industry where it is not only an ACPHA accreditation requirement of four year degree programs but is viewed by industry professionals as critical to career success in the field. Unpaid internships are one means by which students gain such experience. Recently, a series of federal court decisions altered the legal landscape of unpaid internships. This article examines the new terrain as well as its implications for the field.