Employers are offering fewer full-time job offers to interns, with the conversion rate at its lowest in over five years, according to a study from NACE.
Despite 70% of organizations planning to maintain or increase intern hiring, the overall market is projected to decline due to cutbacks by large companies.
Hybrid internship models are prevalent but have lower offer and conversion rates compared to fully in-person programs.
Employers are extending fewer full-time job offers to interns than in previous years, with the average rate at its lowest point in more than five years.
Companies cutting back: Despite signs of continued investment in internships by most organizations, some large companies have cut back on internships, citing ongoing economic considerations and shifting priorities. A study from The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that even though over 70% of organizations plan to maintain or increase their intern hiring in 2024-25, the overall market is projected to decline by about 3% due to larger companies cutting back.
Lower conversion for hybrid opportunities: According to the report, more than 90% of employers cite organizational needs as the driving factor for intern hiring, with 22% referencing the economy and need for a pipeline of new talent. Hybrid internship models dominate, with roughly three in five employers planning to adopt a blended remote and in-person approach. But NACE’s data says that hybrid formats come with lower offer and conversion rates compared to fully in-person programs.
Job fairs remain popular: In terms of recruitment practices, in-person job fairs and on-campus events remain popular, with two-thirds of employers finding them more effective than virtual methods. Some organizations also emphasize relocation assistance to boost the applicant pool, citing the benefit of removing barriers for students unable to move for a short-term position.
More than grades: This year’s report also highlights how employers are placing more weight on a candidate’s key skills and relevant experience than on academic credentials when selecting interns. The average hourly wage for interns stands at $23 (well above the required minimum wage, but still affordable for most large companies), underscoring the practical value of these positions while offering a pathway to potential full-time roles.
Employers are offering fewer full-time job offers to interns, with the conversion rate at its lowest in over five years, according to a study from NACE.
Despite 70% of organizations planning to maintain or increase intern hiring, the overall market is projected to decline due to cutbacks by large companies.
Hybrid internship models are prevalent but have lower offer and conversion rates compared to fully in-person programs.
Employers are extending fewer full-time job offers to interns than in previous years, with the average rate at its lowest point in more than five years.
Companies cutting back: Despite signs of continued investment in internships by most organizations, some large companies have cut back on internships, citing ongoing economic considerations and shifting priorities. A study from The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that even though over 70% of organizations plan to maintain or increase their intern hiring in 2024-25, the overall market is projected to decline by about 3% due to larger companies cutting back.
Lower conversion for hybrid opportunities: According to the report, more than 90% of employers cite organizational needs as the driving factor for intern hiring, with 22% referencing the economy and need for a pipeline of new talent. Hybrid internship models dominate, with roughly three in five employers planning to adopt a blended remote and in-person approach. But NACE’s data says that hybrid formats come with lower offer and conversion rates compared to fully in-person programs.
Job fairs remain popular: In terms of recruitment practices, in-person job fairs and on-campus events remain popular, with two-thirds of employers finding them more effective than virtual methods. Some organizations also emphasize relocation assistance to boost the applicant pool, citing the benefit of removing barriers for students unable to move for a short-term position.
More than grades: This year’s report also highlights how employers are placing more weight on a candidate’s key skills and relevant experience than on academic credentials when selecting interns. The average hourly wage for interns stands at $23 (well above the required minimum wage, but still affordable for most large companies), underscoring the practical value of these positions while offering a pathway to potential full-time roles.
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