On the latest episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, our cohosts dive into the 2024 research report, Building Better Internships, based on the findings from the 2023 National Survey of College Internships (NSCI). This survey explored the participation, quality, and equity of internships among U.S. college students, revealing insights that may not surprise industry professionals.
Key Findings
- High Value of Internships: Students regard internships as crucial for career development. Despite 70% of first-year students expecting to complete an internship before graduation, fewer than half actually do. This highlights a significant discrepancy between student expectations and reality.
- Disparities in Access: The report identifies significant disparities in internship access and experiences influenced by income, race, and institutional type. Important indicators of quality include the presence of structured learning plans, the nature of assigned tasks, and the extent of supervisor support and mentorship.
Recommendations
To address these challenges and improve both internship quality and accessibility, the report suggests actionable steps for educational institutions, employers, and researchers. Key recommendations include:
- Eliminating unpaid internships to promote fairness.
- Encouraging micro internships, projects, and research initiatives as alternatives to traditional internship models.
This episode emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities in their internship journeys.
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