I have a real problem with the internship idea as too often it is a theft of services from what I have seen. Some young person or desperate for job skills person often gets stuck with the worst of the grunt work, frequently gets harassed, and sometimes gets hurt with no protections. I can't and won't abide that. I tend to agree if you have to do something on the backs of others then you are little more than a con artist.

If it is a legit internship it should have at least survival pay attached to it and lots of instruction. If the work is good and talent is shared then bonuses and commissions should be possible on smaller percentages.

I have interned many people and it is rewarding and definitely helps the businesses so I don't see exploiting anyone. If you treat and intern well they can and often do become devoted employees that truly deserve their slice of the pie.

I have had to fire a few interns in my years as those who thought it meant they walked on and took credit for good leadership, a company that was built by someone else's sacrifices over years, or because they really were not there to learn and thought they were know it all's and buggered up stuff beyond even what they knew. Customers want the skill and talent they are paying for not someone trying to do a job or trying to pretend they are working. Or are so worthless to the business they are a liability. A job is not a charity. Even interns have to be willing to give and honest days work for the the pay and experience.