How many internships should a student complete?
Statistically, students who have completed two internships are more likely to be hired by organizations and companies further in their careers. However, even completing one is a good experience for your professional resume.
Why should Brooklyn College students’ intern?
The statistics from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the CompareCamp Internship Statistics clearly show why it is essential for college students to do at least one, and ideally multiple internships, before they graduate. Here are 6 reasons why internships are important:
- Your competitors are completing internships: Nationally, 57.5% of college graduates of 2019 completed at least one internship (CompareCamp, 2020).
- You can earn money: While about half of internships are unpaid, The Magner Center offers a stipend for unpaid internships every semester, in addition to any great external internship stipend programs are available.
- Networking often leads to a job: Start building your professional network! 69% of companies have a formalized referral program where 26% of hires are recruited (Kalido 2019).
- Employers want you to have experience before they hire full-time positions: Employers deem having an internship with an organization or within its industry to be the most influential factors in choosing a candidate (NACE 2022). 57.5% of students who had experience with an internship received job offers. (College Recruiter, 2019)
- Build experience early to get into prestigious companies: 48% of students land their first internships BEFORE their junior year. Many companies are trying to reach freshmen and sophomores early on, so it is important to engage with companies early to position yourself for a junior year internship.
- Clarify your career goals: Interning allows you to determine whether the career you are pursuing is right for you. Over 34% of graduates report that internships “significantly” shifted their career direction (NACE’s The Positive Implications of Internships on Early Career Outcomes).
What Steps Should You Take to Complete At Least Two Internships by Graduation?
- Connect with the Magner Career Center to learn about all services available to you as a student.
- Review Magner Center articles on how to find an internship and fund an unpaid internship.
- Attending events such as career panels, job and internship fairs, and employer information sessions by registering for events.
Have a question?
Contact the internship team at careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu or 718.951.5696.