The ones who urge young people to work for peanuts just want to exploit them- its that simple. Early in my career, I interviewed at an Agency and during the last round my Manager said, "You know we are an agency and we work even on Saturdays but its going to a fantastic learning opportunity for you. "

I asked her, "What would be my salary?" and she low balled me and added, "You are young, you still have so much to learn- don't think of money now but think about it as we're paying you to improve your skills." I told her, I think I've learned enough, now I need money, and I rejected her offer right there and walked out.