ABINGTON, Pa. — Research by the National Association for Colleges and Employers demonstrates that 56% of students who complete internships accept full-time positions at that employer after graduation. With the April 14 deadline to apply for popular summer internships approaching, the experts in Career and Professional Development (CPD) at Penn State Abington urge students to begin the process now.
Securing an internship, which generally counts for three credits, requires time and effort, according to Dena Niles, internship and experiential coordinator at Abington.
"Finding an internship is not a passive sport. However, by starting early and reaching out for help, the process is a lot more manageable since employers fill internships months in advance. Students should make their networks — family, friends, faculty and CPD staff — aware of their search,” she said.
Internships are required for graduation in eight majors, all of which mandate different goals and learning objectives, and students must work with their faculty academic adviser to ensure they fulfill the prerequisites to pursue a credit-bearing internship.
“Our career counselors are experts in specific majors and can give proven advice that supports students in finding internships,” Niles said.