It is a bit sad to be reminded again that the content is valued so
little relative to the programming. However, I fear that in regards to
programming, the axiom that you get what you pay for is correct. The
one exception might be in providing such an exciting opportunity that
folks consider working for less. My son is an undergraduate digital
design student in a five year program that requires 18 months of coop
work experience. The digital design coop experience can pay quite well.
As a second year student, he earned $17/hour plus benefits while
working for a large company in Connecticut for six months. He was
willing to work for much lower pay and no benefits (and to share a
crowded loft apartment) for an opportunity with a New York media
production company. However, the $17/hour is probably the better
indicator. I wish the graduate students in history could expect such
good pay for their internships.
Marjorie McLellan
Director, Public History
Department of History
Wright State University
Dayton, OH
