Students See Internships as Must-Haves
Briefly

There is a growing trend in skills-based hiring among employers, emphasizing hands-on and experiential learning for college graduates over traditional degree qualifications. A report reveals that many students recognize this gap and seek work-based learning experiences to enhance their job prospects. Employers are increasingly interested in skills acquired through internships rather than just academic grades, though barriers exist that limit many students’ participation in such opportunities. Notably, certain demographic groups, like students of color and first-generation students, are disproportionately impacted by these barriers, indicating a need for improvement in equitable access to internships.
Employers emphasize skills learned in higher education over content, highlighting the need for students to adapt and respond to the evolving workplace. This shift often derives from degree inflation and the adjusting requirements of jobs that necessitate postsecondary education.
A significant number of college students are aware of the importance of work-based learning experiences to boost their employability. Many actively seek opportunities to engage in such experiences as part of their academic journey.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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