Core Viewpoint - The emergence of a paid internship industry in China has raised concerns about the integrity of the job market, particularly for recent graduates and high-net-worth individuals seeking opportunities for their children [1][3][9]. Group 1: Paid Internship Industry - The "2025 Elite Internship Program" launched by Industrial Bank offers internship opportunities at major companies like Google and ByteDance for clients' children with deposits over 10 million yuan [1]. - The paid internship market has become a "hidden rule" in various sectors, especially in finance and technology, where students often pay for internship opportunities [3][8]. - Reports indicate that top brokerage firms have charged around 150,000 yuan for research internship positions as early as 2020 [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - As the number of graduates increases, the job market has become saturated, making it harder for graduates to secure desirable positions without resorting to paid internships [8]. - A third-party intermediary often facilitates these paid internships, creating a gray market where services range from resume polishing to interview coaching [9][11]. - The pricing for internships varies significantly, with "walking HR" internships costing between 16,000 to 25,000 yuan, while "not walking HR" internships are around 14,000 yuan [12]. Group 3: Risks and Consequences - Many students have reported negative experiences, including being placed in non-functional roles or receiving fake internship certificates [16][20]. - The lack of regulation in the paid internship market has led to numerous scams, where students pay for opportunities that do not exist or are misrepresented [21]. - The practice of paid internships disrupts the normal order of internships, exacerbating competition and increasing anxiety among job seekers [23][25]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The paid internship industry is unlikely to disappear soon, and its persistence raises questions about the future of job market integrity and the potential need for regulatory intervention [25]. - Graduates are encouraged to focus on building their skills and unique qualifications rather than relying on paid opportunities to enhance their resumes [27].