Janice Lozano
Internships are a crucial stepping stone for college students to gain valuable workforce experience and explore career paths. However, the number of students participating in internships has fluctuated over the years. In 2021, only 21.5% of students had internships, according to the National Survey of College Internships (NSCI). This number increased significantly in 2023, with reports indicating that 41% of college students had internship experience while pursuing their bachelor's degrees. The demand for internships is high, with 41% of the Class of 2025 applying for internships through Handshake, compared to 34% of the Class of 2023. Despite the importance of internships, challenges remain for students, including the need for more pay or relocation, with 12% stating they do not expect to intern before graduating.
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What You'll Learn
- Four in 10 college students have had internship experience
- % of paid interns made at least $15 per hour in 2022
- Paid interns are twice as likely to land a job after graduation
- First-generation college students face barriers in accessing internships
- % of interns juggle their internship with part-time work
Four in 10 college students have had internship experience
Internships are a crucial aspect of a student's journey, offering valuable workforce experience and exploration of career paths. However, securing internships has become increasingly challenging, especially for specific student groups.
According to a Gallup survey conducted in March 2023, approximately four in 10, or 41%, of currently enrolled college students in the United States have undertaken an internship while pursuing their bachelor's degree. This equates to less than half of all bachelor's students. The survey, which included 2,430 students from various institutions, highlights disparities in internship participation rates.
First-generation college students, whose parents have not attained a degree, reported lower internship rates at 27%. Similarly, students enrolled in public colleges and universities had lower rates at 36%. In contrast, Hispanic, White, and male students demonstrated higher internship engagement. These findings underscore the challenges many students face in accessing internships, regardless of their background or institution type.
Several factors contribute to the difficulties in securing internships. One significant barrier is the struggle to find internships that align with students' interests. Additionally, financial constraints and the need to relocate for internships pose practical obstacles for many students. The competition for internships has intensified, and students are encouraged to be proactive and flexible in their pursuit of opportunities.
Despite the challenges, internships remain highly valuable. Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reveals that interns who complete a program are 32% more likely to be retained by the company. Furthermore, paid internships offer distinct advantages, with paid interns receiving, on average, 1.4 job offers compared to 0.9 offers for unpaid interns. This disparity also extends to starting salaries, with paid interns earning a median starting salary of $67,500, while their unpaid counterparts receive $45,000.
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87% of paid interns made at least $15 per hour in 2022
According to a web survey conducted by Gallup, four in ten college students, or 41%, have had an internship while pursuing their bachelor's degree. This figure includes students attending private for-profit colleges, but rates are not reported for these institutions specifically. Lower rates of internship participation are reported among first-generation college students (27%) and students enrolled at public colleges and universities (36%). Despite the challenges of the pandemic, students are determined to pursue internships, and there remain many opportunities.
In 2022, 87% of paid interns made at least $15 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $24.63, according to Glassdoor. This represented an 11% increase from the previous year's average of $22.17. The same source indicates that the tech industry offers some of the highest-paying internships, with 16 out of the top 25 companies being in the tech sector. For example, Stripe, a payment processing tech provider, paid interns $9,064 per month on average.
Paid internships are associated with better post-graduation employment outcomes. NACE research has consistently found that students who take part in paid internships receive more job offers and higher starting salaries than those who participate in unpaid internships. This trend held true for the Class of 2023, with paid interns averaging 1.4 job offers and a median starting salary of $67,500, compared to 0.9 job offers and a median starting salary of $45,000 for unpaid interns.
However, it is important to note that inequities persist in internship participation and pay. Among the Class of 2023 graduates, male students, white students, students who are not first-generation, and students who are not Pell Grant recipients were more likely to participate in internships. Furthermore, among those who took part in internships, a higher proportion of men (76.4%) were paid compared to women (51.5%). Similar disparities were observed between Pell Grant recipients (53.5%) and non-recipients (61.0%), as well as between LGBTQ+ interns (53%) and their counterparts (59%).
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Paid interns are twice as likely to land a job after graduation
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), paid interns are about twice as likely to land a job after graduation compared to non-interns. Paid interns get an average of 1.61 job offers after graduation, while non-interns get an average of 0.77. This trend has been consistent over the years, with NACE research showing that students who take part in paid internships receive more job offers and higher starting salaries than those who participate in unpaid internships.
The benefits of paid internships are clear. In 2022, 87% of paid interns made at least $15 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $24.63. This is a significant increase from the previous year's average of $22.17. Paid interns also make higher starting salaries in their first roles post-graduation. For example, the median starting salary for paid interns from the Class of 2023 was $67,500, compared to $45,000 for unpaid interns.
However, it is important to note that there are systemic inequalities in who takes part in internships and who is most likely to get a paid internship. Inequities persist along lines of gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. For instance, among the Class of 2023 graduates, male students, white students, students who are not first-generation, and students who are not Pell Grant recipients were more likely to participate in internships than other groups of students. Additionally, among men who took part in an internship, 76.4% were paid, compared to 51.5% of women.
Despite these inequalities, internships remain a valuable way for college students to gain experience and build their resumes. Overall, more than half of the Class of 2023 graduating seniors (62%) reported taking part in an internship at some point in their college career. This is a slight decrease from previous years, as historical data from NACE states that at least 60% of students from the classes of 2013 to 2017 had an internship. However, the number of interns dropped during the pandemic, with only close to a fifth of students (21.5%) interning in 2021.
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First-generation college students face barriers in accessing internships
According to Gallup, around four in ten college students, or 41%, have had an internship while pursuing their bachelor's degree. However, internship participation rates are lower among first-generation college students, with only 27% reporting internship experience. This disparity highlights the barriers that first-generation students face in accessing internships.
First-generation college students encounter unique challenges due to their distinct circumstances and backgrounds. One significant barrier is the lack of family support, not because their families do not value education, but because they may not understand the importance or process of pursuing higher education. College may not be a priority or even a realistic option in some households, making it more of an abstract concept than an expectation. This lack of familial encouragement can hinder first-generation students' motivation and confidence in navigating the complex world of internships.
Additionally, first-generation students often come from marginalized groups, with over half identifying as non-white and a significant number being first-generation Americans or having foreign-born parents. This demographic profile can contribute to feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome, making it more challenging for them to seek out internship opportunities. They may also face stigma and assumptions about affirmative action, further impacting their academic self-esteem and sense of belonging in higher education.
Financial instability is another common barrier for first-generation college students. They are less likely to receive financial assistance from their parents when completing financial aid forms, putting them at a disadvantage in accessing internships, especially those that are unpaid or located in different cities requiring relocation expenses. Moreover, first-generation students often have to navigate college and the job market without the benefit of familial experience or guidance, which can lead to overwhelming anxiety and stress.
The challenges faced by first-generation college students in accessing internships underscore the need for equitable solutions. Colleges and universities play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments and providing targeted resources, mentorship, and career guidance to help first-generation students secure internships and succeed academically and professionally.
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56% of interns juggle their internship with part-time work
Internships are a great way for college students to gain immediate exposure to their chosen field and build valuable connections. They can be a game-changer for students, offering a chance to earn money and gain valuable experience. However, with the various challenges and barriers to accessing internships, it is no surprise that only about 4 in 10 college students have had an internship while pursuing their bachelor's degree. This figure varies across different demographics, with higher rates among Hispanic, White, and male students, and lower rates among first-generation college students and those at public colleges and universities.
While internships provide great opportunities, they can also be demanding, and many interns juggle their internship with part-time work. In fact, 56% of interns obtained employment offers from their internship organization, with 14% being offered part-time jobs post-internship. This highlights the importance of internships in helping students secure employment. However, it also indicates the potential burden of balancing an internship with other work commitments.
The decision to take on an internship and part-time job simultaneously is not an easy one. Students need to consider their priorities and ensure they can handle the workload. Combining both can be advantageous, offering experience, extra income, and a foot in the door with a potential long-term employer. However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and time management to avoid exhaustion and maintain academic performance.
To support students in this endeavor, colleges and universities should strive to provide accessible and relevant internship opportunities. Additionally, resources and guidance on time management and priority setting are invaluable tools to help students successfully navigate their internships and part-time jobs without compromising their health and education.
In conclusion, while internships offer numerous benefits, they are not always easily accessible, and many students juggle them with part-time work. This highlights the need for institutions to facilitate equitable pathways to internships and provide support to help students manage their commitments effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Gallup, around four in 10 college students complete internships. However, a report by the National Survey of College Internships (NSCI) found that only 21.5% of students had internships in 2021.
According to Chegg Internships, half of students who intern complete more than one internship during their college years.
Internships can be a great way to gain experience and explore different career paths. Paid internships can also help students earn a good amount of money. According to Glassdoor, 87% of paid interns made at least $15 per hour in 2022, with an average hourly wage of $24.63. Additionally, paid interns are more likely to land a job after graduation.
A 2023 Student Voice survey found that 12% of students do not plan to participate in an internship before finishing their degree. However, demand for internships is high, with 41% of the Class of 2025 applying for internships through Handshake.
Students face various challenges when it comes to interning, including the need for more pay or relocation. First-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds may also face greater difficulties in securing internships due to limited resources and opportunities.
