Expanding Internships: Harnessing Employer Insights to Boost Opportunity and Enhance Learning
Internships have become a vital stepping stone for students transitioning from college to career. They offer learners the chance to explore career paths, build essential skills, and increase their chances of securing employment after graduation. However, the demand for internships far exceeds the available supply, leaving millions of students without the opportunities they need to succeed.
Expanding Internships: Harnessing Employer Insights to Boost Opportunity and Enhance Learning explores this critical issue. The report reveals that in 2023, while 3.6 million students completed internships, another 4.6 million who sought similar experiences were unable to participate, often due to barriers related to race, socioeconomic status, and educational background.
Through in-depth research and interviews with employers, the report identifies the key challenges companies face in offering internships, from operational constraints to market uncertainties. It also highlights the importance of quality in internship programs—students who complete high-quality internships gain a significant advantage in the job market.
To address these challenges, BHEF offers four actionable recommendations aimed at increasing the supply of internships, improving their quality, and ensuring that all students have access to these critical opportunities.
Download the full report to explore these findings, and attend a webinar to delve into the work with industry speakers and work-based learning experts.
