Our entire approach to summer internships is broken–and many students don’t stand a chance
==========

Access to paid summer internships is not equally available to every student, with significant gaps persisting across most industries. Less than half of seniors reported having an internship experience, and first-generation, Black, Latino, and female students are less likely to engage in paid internships. Paid internships are valuable, with participants earning $3,000 more than their non-internship peers one year after graduation. However, prestigious and lucrative internships often go to students who already have resources and connections. Housing and temporary relocation costs pose barriers for students without financial support. Universities can employ students in campus jobs related to their field of study and incorporate skills development into these experiences. Employers should collaborate with colleges and universities to provide high-quality work experiences that help students build their resumes, generate networking opportunities, and develop career-relevant skills. Work designed for students should be flexible to accommodate their academic obligations and extracurricular activities. Employers can benefit from the innovative energy that students bring to the workplace while contributing to their early career development. Employers and higher education institutions should work together to build models that best serve students, higher education, and employers.

#SummerInternships #PaidInternships #AccessToOpportunities #Inequality #HigherEducation #CareerDevelopment

https://fortune.com/2024/04/19/summer-internships-broken-students-jobs-summer-education-careers/