Beginning fall 2024 and phasing in over three
years, the new policy
is aimed at ensuring equitable
access to career-building experiences for all
students
NEW YORK, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan's
LIM College, which focuses on the business of fashion and
lifestyle, today announced a new policy requiring that all students
be compensated for internships and co-operative (co-op) work
experiences at minimum wage or above. It applies to in-person,
remote, and hybrid internships and co-op experiences.
The new policy will be phased in over three years, beginning
this fall and progressing through the 2026-2027 academic year, when
it will cover all students.
"Internships and co-op experiences are vital components of a
comprehensive education, offering students real-world experiences,
the ability to develop professional skills, and the opportunity to
build valuable networks within their chosen fields. Unpaid
internships can create significant barriers for many students,
particularly those from underrepresented, first-generation or
low-income backgrounds who can be locked out of coveted pre-career
experiences if they lack the financial resources to accommodate
unpaid experiences," said LIM College President Ron Marshall.
"With this new policy, we are creating a more equitable and
supportive environment for our students that also recognizes the
valuable contributions they make. For employers, this policy will
lead to larger, more diverse talent pipelines, fostering
inclusivity and driving innovation within their organizations. It
is the right thing to do and will ultimately lead to a stronger
fashion industry."
LIM College Provost Scott Carnz said that the college is
committed to working closely with industry employers to prepare for
the transition to compensated internships and co-op experiences for
LIM students.
"Our college is a leader in preparing students with the highest
quality education and career readiness. Since 1939, we have been a
pioneer in hands-on learning experiences and career development,
enabling students to excel in the global marketplace and realize
their dream careers," he said.
"LIM has strong, enduring relationships with hundreds of
industry partners, some of which have their own company policies
that mandate compensation for interns and co-op students. For
others, we are engaging collaboratively through information
sessions and other means to help them move to a paid internship
model, working to strike a balance between continuing to have a
large number of internships available to our students and making
sure they are fairly compensated."
About LIM College
Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan, LIM
College focuses on the global business of fashion and lifestyle.
Offering master's, bachelor's, and associate degree programs, LIM
prepares students for career success via an immersive approach
grounded in real-world experience and learning by doing through
required internships. LIM College's commitment to excellence in
business education ensures graduates are sought after by a wide
range of employers, as evidenced by a Career Outcomes Rate of 97%
for the Class of 2023. Alumni excel throughout all areas of fashion
and lifestyle and have gone on to work for companies such as
Chanel, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Ross Stores, Michael
Kors, Ulta Beauty, Google, Spotify, Saks Fifth Avenue, The National
Football League, and many more.
Contact:
Meredith
Finnin
meredith.finnin@limcollege.edu
646.218.2156
Anne Roman
anne.roman@limcollege.edu
419.708.5171
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SOURCE LIM COLLEGE