An internship is taking advantage of you when the organisation receives normal employee-level output while avoiding fair pay, supervision and basic workplace protections. A digital marketing internship paid at the correct rate can still be poorly designed, while a demanding placement can be valuable when the terms are fair and learning is real.
Check the legal and written position
In the UK, the label "intern" does not decide entitlement to the National Minimum Wage. Employment status and the real working arrangement matter. GOV.UK advises employers offering internships or work experience to check whether the person is entitled to minimum wage; review the current official minimum wage guidance or seek advice from Acas if you are unsure.
Get the hours, duties, pay, expenses, supervisor and duration in writing. A digital marketing paid internship should not rely on verbal promises that change once you start.
Signs of a learning role
You receive a proper brief, controlled access, feedback and increasing responsibility. The team expects questions, corrects work before publication and can explain what skills you should gain. Some routine tasks are normal, but they sit alongside useful projects.
Signs of exploitation
- You replace a regular role with no training or oversight.
- Unpaid "trial" work produces material the company uses commercially.
- Extra hours are routine, hidden or pressured.
- You are personally responsible for spend, accounts or data without safeguards.
- The employer withholds agreed pay or expenses.
- Bullying, discrimination or retaliation is treated as part of "toughening up".
Prestige does not make these conditions acceptable. Nor does a vague suggestion that a permanent job might appear later.
What to do
Keep a factual record of hours, tasks, messages and agreed terms. Raise a specific issue with the supervisor and ask for a clear change. If it is not resolved, speak to the course or placement coordinator, HR, Acas or another appropriate adviser. If you feel unsafe, leave the immediate situation and seek support; no portfolio item is worth harm.
Use our guide to evaluating an internship offer before starting where possible. A reputable placement should make learning, supervision and fair terms visible from the beginning. The guaranteed placement connected to Digital Marketing in Practice is designed as a structured extension of training, not a substitute for paid staffing.