Virtual Internships’ Post

Learners understand that a degree alone is insufficient to stand out in the hiring market. Combining work experience with theoretical classroom knowledge is crucial for tackling real-world challenges. This drives many students to seek internships; 70% of first-year students express intentions to participate, yet less than half complete an internship by their senior year. The current internship gap and the rising number of SMEs prompt consideration of their potential to bridge this divide. This raises questions about whether educational institutions should rethink the traditional internship approach and consider smaller enterprises for greater student impact. Our recent report gathers insights from global employers to understand their expectations for the future workforce and explores the potential of SMEs in hosting internships to increase opportunities. You can find insights on how to build partnerships with SMEs, expand internship opportunities, and customize programs to enhance learners' employability and prepare them for the future of work.  Download here: https://lnkd.in/gASQ7uBC   #HigherEd #Employability #VirtualInternships #InternshipReport #ExperientialLearning #SkillsGap

Only 38% of graduates complete an internship by their senior year despite the majority aspiring to do so from freshman year. The top barriers? A heavy course load is the first mentioned, but the following top 4 barriers all revolve around limited access to internships. This highlights that it’s not a demand problem; it’s a lack of supply by limited access, which is preventing learners from gaining key experience to impact their employability.  Our latest report, "More Internships, Please: Empowering SME and University Collaboration," explores the critical disconnect between graduate readiness perceptions by educators and employers and, importantly, addresses how the internship supply and demand challenge can be solved by reducing bureaucratic barriers and greater SME-university collaboration.  With data-backed recommendations as a result of a recent global survey of employers, the report unpacks these challenges and discusses strategies for reducing these barriers.  Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/dsncaYss  #VirtualInternships #InternshipReport #StudentOpportunities #WorkforceDevelopment

Want to ensure your learners have greater access to internships? It’s time to think smaller to go bigger. Our newly released report, "More Internships, Please: Empowering SME and University Collaboration," offers crucial insights to help bridge the gap between academia and industry.  Key Takeaways for University Faculty: ➡️ Understand the disconnect between student aspirations and actual internship opportunities. ➡️ Discover how curriculum alignment with real-world demands can enhance student readiness. ➡️ Learn effective strategies to collaborate with SMEs and provide students with diverse, valuable internship experiences. Explore how lowering barriers to SMEs wanting to work with universities like yours can give your learners greater access to rich, meaningful internship experiences.  Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dEc4Q9Sz  #VirtualInternships #InternshipReport #EducatorInsights #SkillsGap #GraduateReadiness

Unpaid internships may not be as attractive as paid ones, but high schoolers shouldn't immediately dismiss them. Keep an eye on the bigger picture: gaining invaluable experience now can lead to connections and lucrative paid opportunities in the future. Previous PathSpark intern Nadia Petersen, who completed two internships and is now at Yale University, gives the advice that unpaid opportunities early in high school can be the perfect gateways to paid opportunities later. If considering an unpaid internship, Nadia recommends properly vetting the opening: "Internships at local universities or through government programs often lead to guaranteed promotions and solid networking down the line." For high schoolers, a currency greater than dollars (for now) is an internship that builds character and provides valuable experiences for their resumes. Lastly, Nadia offers some calming advice for those feeling pressured to get an internship: ”Remember to breathe: You may think that you need X number of internships to succeed after high school, but your character is evaluated on more than just your work experience. It’s okay to only take opportunities that truly interest you, even if it means turning down tens of others.”

Summer's coming ☀ - are your students internship-ready? The summer season is fast approaching, and with it comes the critical time for students to secure valuable internship experiences. Internship opportunities bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with real-world skills and a competitive edge when they graduate. But here's the challenge: many students struggle to find the right internship opportunities, especially those outside their immediate network. Your current students can pave the way and offer advice on how to secure internships and where to find them. Universities can demonstrate their commitment to career preparedness, while students gain valuable real-world experience that sets them apart in the competitive job market. #highereducation #education #college #students

SMEs make up 99% of the world’s companies and employ roughly 50% of all employees depending on the country and industry. However, they are often overlooked in the internship landscape, with universities and students typically focusing on larger corporations. This results in fewer internship opportunities for students despite the crucial role in preparing learners for their future careers. Our latest report emphasizes how SMEs can expand internship opportunities alongside larger firms. Based on insights from numerous global employers, the report provides practical steps for educational institutions to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and partner with SMEs. These partnerships can offer tailored internships that boost students’ employability. For more details, download the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gitvgnMu #VirtualInternships #InternshipReport #CareerReadiness #InternshipsGap #ExperientialLearning

Amidst discussions about the value of degrees, there's a growing emphasis on work-based learning and early exposure. At #ASUGSV2024 last week, educators and higher ed leaders reiterated the significance of this approach in preparing students for their future careers. The Internships Equation Report 2024 reveals a disparity in how employers perceive internships. This disconnect creates barriers for interns entering the job market early and contributes to the current shortage of internship opportunities. With insights gathered from hundreds of global employers, this report delves into these issues and offers actionable steps for employers and educators to collaborate on structured internship programs that benefit all parties involved. Get your copy of the report here: https://lnkd.in/dJCF7J7M #DegreeROI #HigherEd #InternshipEquation2024 #WorkBasedLearning

When people talk about “mandatory” internships, I disapprove: Since I was 18, I’ve been working somehow and somewhere, in different parts of the world. I worked with 3 different football teams as well. And now I’m ready to start with the fourth one. Every time I learn something new. Every time I get better. I don’t think the uni experience can work without any placement/internship. “Is it mandatory?”  “How many hours?” Mate, do as many hours as you can. Your goal is to be already in your industry after graduation, which will likely happen thanks to your internship. You should start uni with the idea of getting as much working experience as you can. Mandatory or not. Paid or not. Do you agree?

🎓 Attention Academic Leaders and Institutions 🎓 I am excited to share Virtual Internships’ newly released "Internship Equation Report 2024." This pivotal white paper delves into the persistent challenges and disconnects between academia and industry in the realm of internships and workforce preparation. 🔑 Key Findings: - A mere 42% of employers believe interns are equipped with necessary technical skills. - Only 45% of employers see interns as having the essential soft skills for professional success. - Significant delays and inefficiencies are reported with 68% of companies stating that intern projects overrun timelines. - A considerable 73% of companies find that interns require extensive guided support. These statistics spotlight the crucial need for educational institutions to enhance their internship programs. Our report provides vital insights and actionable recommendations that can bridge these gaps. 📚 We urge academic institutions to download this report and explore its key takeaways, particularly on how to: - Better align academic curricula with real-world industry demands. - Implement targeted skill development and effective mentorship programs. - Streamline support systems to boost internship productivity and value. This report is not just data—it’s a blueprint for building stronger connections between your institution and the industry, thereby equipping your students with the practical skills and experiences they need to excel in their careers. 🔗 Download the Internship Equation Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/dRbHKkEE Let's collaborate to transform academic pathways into career success stories. Your commitment to enhancing internship programs will empower your students and significantly contribute to closing the skills gap in the global workforce. #AcademicPartnerships #InternshipSuccess #CareerReadiness #VirtualInternships

Tips to find suitable internships for your teen 5.    Reflect As the graduate jobs landscape becomes increasingly competitive, students are relaying on work experience and internships as valuable assets to boost their future career paths. These opportunities not only provide practical skills but also showcase a student's dedication and commitment to their chosen field. Teenager, too, can use internships to learn about what they want to do later in life and acquire hands-on experience in the job environments. Preparation and reflection are key to ensuring a successful work experience or internship.  Encourage your teenager to research the organization they will be working with, understand its values and familiarize themselves with the current industry trends and practices. Furthermore, emphasize the significance of reflection during and after the experience. It is a great idea to maintain a journal or diary to record accomplishments, challenge, and the skills acquired on the job. Reflecting on these first hand experiences will help students to understand the preferred type of work they will enjoy in the future.