To crack the job market, internships can be just as key for young people as the degree

Recent studies have shown that college graduates are facing an increasingly difficult job market. Unemployment rates among recent graduates have risen sharply compared to other workers, attributed to factors such as artificial intelligence taking over jobs and a slowdown in hiring. While trade-school and apprenticeship programs provide alternative routes, community and four-year colleges can also help students secure careers through internships.

Researchers at The Ohio State University have studied two paid internship programs in STEM fields that have demonstrated success in placing students in jobs. Despite the growing importance of internships, many students come from underrepresented backgrounds and may not otherwise have such opportunities. Colleges and employers can use these lessons to transform internships into genuine career pathways.

First, internships should offer meaningful work that addresses real organizational challenges, allowing students to develop deliverables that surpass classroom learning. For example, interns at Honda worked on safety solutions for battery cells, receiving praise from a Honda engineer who offered them a post-internship opportunity.

Second, high-quality internships should combine substantial work with mentoring and professional development, rather than being seen as cheap labor. Third, a strong network of mentors, including faculty members, technical experts, employers, and classmates, can significantly boost students' confidence, professional identity, and sense of belonging.

Finally, colleges should build broader support networks around internships, recognizing that a single supervisor cannot shoulder the entire responsibility for a student's professional development. By implementing these four principles, more young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, can gain the necessary skills and experiences to secure high-earning careers.