Are Internships Still Worthwhile? [Infographic]

Attention recent graduates: Avoid the “How do I get experience if I don’t have any experience at all?” dilemma by taking advantage of internship opportunities. Internships are worth it and will be for a long time.

As a recent graduate myself, I showcase my experience in interviews. By the end of my senior year in college, I prided myself on not including any class assignments in my portfolio – my real experience in public relations over the years trumped it all. What we’ve done and where we’ve been is what differentiates us, and sets us apart from the rest.

A recent infographic determining whether internships are still worthwhile or not for college students reveals some important statistics worth considering when it comes to applying to your next internship opportunity.

Why should you intern?

• Employers want to see industry experience from job candidates.
• Internships help students decide if the industry is right for them.
• Students will develop more industry-focused skills.

Are you hesitant to intern because they are unpaid?

• In 2011, over half (52%) of internships were paid.
• A college freshman intern makes $13.91 an hour on average.
• The average wage rate for interns at the bachelor’s degree level is $16.21.

What happens after the internship ends?

• 61% of paid interns received a job offer at the end of their internship.
• In 2011, 61.2% of employers made full-time offers to their interns, out of which 86.5% of the interns accepted.

Are you still not convinced? Check out the full infographic below for all of the facts and figures:

The value of internships is simply nonnegotiable. Look at them as precious investments in your future career path as they are the stepping-stones to get you where you want to go.

How have you benefitted from internships? We’d love for you to share your internships stories below in the comments section!

For this post, YouTern thanks our friends at ComeRecommended!

About the Author: Brittany Troyer graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in public relations and an A.A. in business in May 2012. Prior to joining the team, Brittany has gained experience in communications through multiple internships and freelance experience, both in the area as well as Barcelona, Spain.