In the ever-changing galaxy of talent acquisition, one thing is clear: internships are crucial. The latest career outcomes data from DU’s Class of 2024 confirms what forward-thinking employers already know. Internships aren’t just a step in the journey, they’re the launchpad to securing your next great hire. As any Mandalorian would say, this is the way…
Internships Drive Hiring Outcomes
The latest career outcomes data from our Class of 2024 shows a 12.8% increase in bachelor’s graduates hired by their internship employer, the largest year-over-year jump we’ve ever seen. That’s not luck, that’s strategy. The Way is clear: students who intern with you are far more likely to become your next full-time hires.
Internships Create Career-Ready Talent
Across degree levels, 78.6% of DU students engaged in a variety of career development activities, from resume reviews, one-on-one advising, attending career education programs, class presentations, networking, and cultivating professional connections. Our students are motivated, prepared, and ready to contribute to your organization. Internships serve as a star chart, guiding students through the galaxy of career opportunities with skill and direction.
Internship Experience Boosts Employment Success
Internships provide a clear and measurable advantage in the job market. According to national data, students who never interned were 2.5 times more likely to be seeking employment at graduation than those who completed at least one internship, a pattern that holds true even among master’s graduates, proving that internships matter at every degree level.
The benefits go beyond securing that first job offer. NACE employer surveys show that 50–60% of interns convert to full-time roles, and those who do are retained at higher rates (75.5%) than their non-intern peers (51.5%). Employers recognize this value as well: in a recent NACE quick poll, 80% of employers said internships provided the best return on investment (ROI) for recruiting new talent.
Beyond the numbers, internships act as hands-on training for the real mission—full-time work. They equip students with the skills, confidence, and professional network to navigate the workforce successfully and contribute meaningfully over the long term.
Why This Matters to You
Internships aren’t side quests, they’re part of the creed of smart recruiting. More than learning opportunities, they’re a strategic tool that lets you build a pipeline of talent, increase retention, and reduce hiring risk.
Let’s Build Your Talent Pipeline
Our Employer Connections team is here to help you design high-impact internship programs, connect with career-ready students, and turn interns into long-term hires. For your recruiting strategy, this is the way.
And just because he’s so cute! Here’s one last picture Grogu.
Okay, we lied. This is the last one.
Resources: DU Outcomes, 2024 Internship & Co-Op Report (NACE), Intern Hiring Up More than 9% For 2022-23 Academic Year (NACE), Internship Meaning and Definition (NACE)
