Students who graduate college with internship experience are more likely to find employment upon graduation than students without internship experience, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Employers who responded to the survey indicated their primary goal for an internship was to hire graduates who participated in the internship as full-time employees.
In addition, the NACE survey said employers hired 3.4 percent more interns in 2017 than the previous year.
Yolanda Dillard, employer relations manager for the Office of Career Services at the University of Memphis said the U of M has over 5,000 students per year interning at a wide variety of organization across the Mid-South.
“Internships may be paid or unpaid, optional or a degree requirement,” Dillard said.
Dillard said students can receive exposure to leadership opportunities and professional skills through an internship.
“Employers rate relevant work experience as the most important criteria during the job selection process,” Dillard said. “Employers will generally hire a student with internship experiences versus one without internship experience.”
Dave Kean, internship coordinator for the School of Health Studies, said an internship can reinforce a student’s decision about the setting they want to work.
“Any real-life experience that a student can get is invaluable,” Kean said. “It gives them a taste of what they may see in the real world after they graduate.”
Richard Bloom, dean and assistant professor in the School of Health Studies, said all students in the department are required to complete an internship or residency teaching.
“Many of our interns have performed so well in their role that they have been offered positions at the organization where they intern,” Bloom said.
Kevin Brotzoll, a 22-year-old hospitality and resort management major, said he plans on completing an internship through his current employer, the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.
Brotzoll currently works in food and beverage at Bass Pro’s Big Cypress Lodge and said he will likely be doing rotations in different hotel departments such as housekeeping and front desk operations for his internship.
