As much as the intern is there to gain hands-on experience and knowledge, let us not ignore the fact that the intern does provide services to that company, be it errands, KYM, whatever it is. It's a symbiotic relationship, not a one-sided dependent one. The intern will also add value to the company and as such should be given some for of remuneration; whether it is lunch and transport or actual cash.

And just because 'them days' interns never used to get paid does not mean we have to carry on with the same trend. Times and economies have changed.