College Student’s Zepto Delivery Job Sparks Online Debate on Paid Internships and Student Reality
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NEW DELHI: Not every viral post is loud or dramatic. Some quietly strike a chord because they reflect everyday realities. A recent social media post has done just that by highlighting a simple yet telling decision made by a college student—one that has opened up a wider conversation about education, income, and the difficult choices many young people face while studying.
The post, shared on X by Swapnil Kommawar, talks about his meeting with a friend’s younger brother who is currently pursuing a college degree. Like many students, the young man balances academics with work. After college hours, he works part-time as a delivery agent with quick-commerce platform Zepto, carrying bags and delivering orders to earn pocket money.
“I met my friend's younger brother. He is doing his degree. After college, he works part-time at Zepto. Carrying bags. Delivering orders. Earning pocket money,” Kommawar wrote, describing the student’s daily routine.
Why a Paid Job Over an Internship
What made the post resonate with many was a simple question Kommawar asked the student—why he was not doing an internship. The response reflected a challenge familiar to thousands of Indian students.
“He smiled and said, internships are easy to find. But paid internships? Very hard,” the post noted.
This single line triggered widespread discussion online, bringing attention to the growing gap between the need for practical experience and the immediate need for income. While internships are often promoted as essential for career growth, many students struggle to afford unpaid or low-paying roles.
Flexibility and Family Needs
According to Kommawar, the student chose Zepto mainly for its flexible working hours. This allowed him to manage his college schedule while earning a steady income. The money helps cover his daily expenses and also supports his family.
“So he chose part-time work by understanding family conditions. At least money comes in. At least he is not sitting idle,” Kommawar wrote, framing the decision as a practical response to real-life responsibilities rather than a lack of ambition.
Social Media Reacts
As the post went viral and garnered thousands of views, social media users shared mixed opinions. Some stressed the importance of internships for skill development, while others appreciated the student’s mindset and work ethic.
One user wrote that internships play a crucial role in learning but added that paid opportunities in high-skill areas are rare. Another user commented that the story was less about the job and more about the attitude, saying it reflected maturity and responsibility.
A third user compared the approach to Western education systems, noting that students working during studies often gain valuable lessons in finances, communication, and leadership alongside academics.
Entrepreneur Weighs In
Entrepreneur Capt. Venkat Reddy also joined the conversation, offering a broader perspective. He welcomed the fact that young people are understanding the value of productivity and earning early in life.
“It is really welcoming to see the next generation understanding the value of productivity and earning money as a by-product,” he wrote. However, he also emphasised the importance of long-term learning and direction. Reddy suggested that students should eventually channel their hard work into building knowledge and preparing for competitive exams or specialised careers.
Referring to the student, he added that using the same discipline and effort to prepare for exams like CAT or GMAT could open larger opportunities in the future.
Our Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
This viral post highlights a reality often missing from glossy career advice. For many students, the choice is not between an internship and a job—it is between unpaid experience and immediate financial survival. While internships are important for skill-building, they lose relevance when they do not pay bills or support families. The student’s decision to work part-time reflects awareness, responsibility, and adaptability. The larger takeaway is not about choosing Zepto over an internship, but about understanding that education journeys are not one-size-fits-all. Recognising these realities is essential if conversations around employability and youth development are to remain grounded and inclusive.