WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?
NACE defines an internship as a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting (across in-person, remote, or hybrid modalities). Internships provide students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience, develop social capital, explore career fields, and make connections in professional fields. In addition, internships serve as a significant recruiting mechanism for employers, providing them with the opportunity to guide and evaluate potential candidates.
NACE BELIEVES THAT AN INTERNSHIP SHOULD INCLUDE:
- A learning experience with a real-world opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or replace the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
- Learned skills and knowledge that are transferable to other employment settings.
- A defined beginning and end that is mutually agreed upon and consistent with institutional sponsor guidelines and schedules.
- A position description with clear responsibilities and required/desired qualifications.
- Clearly defined learning objectives/goals supportive of the student’s academic program goals and institutional requirements.
- Direct supervision by a professional(s) with relevant expertise and educational and/or professional experience who provides productive feedback, guidance, and the resources and equipment necessary to successfully complete the assignment.
WHY ARE INTERNSHIPS IMPORTANT?
Internships are routes to jobs for job seekers and access to talent for employers.
For job seekers, NACE research demonstrates that work-based experiences can be avenues to increased skills, expanded networks, and enhanced social capital. Internships—particularly paid internships—are also direct pathways to job offers. According to the results of the NACE 2022 Student Survey for four-year college students, paid interns averaged 1.61 job offers, compared to 0.94 offers for unpaid interns, and 0.77 offers for non-interns.
For employers, internships are one of the main recruiting tools employers use to recruit entry-level college graduates. According to a recent NACE quick poll, eight out of ten responding employers said that internships provided the best return on investment as a recruiting strategy, compared to career fairs, on-campus visits, on-campus panels, or other activities (NACE Winter 2022 Quick Poll: Spring Recruiting and Career Services).
