Internships can be paid or unpaid, with paid internships required to meet minimum wage requirements in the US. Large private companies are more likely to pay interns, while non-profit and government internships are typically unpaid. It is important to clarify upfront whether an internship is paid or unpaid, as any promise of compensation suggests that the intern is an employee and may qualify for overtime pay. Unpaid internships are temporary opportunities for students or new workers, offering important training or college credit as compensation. They can also lead to secure employment with the organization in the future. Both interns and companies can benefit from internships, but state and federal rules and regulations may differ on how interns and employees are categorized.