As the global job market becomes more competitive, college students are increasingly finding it difficult to secure internships, a key step toward launching their careers.
Economic uncertainty, company budget cuts, and the growing influence of technology have all contributed to fewer available opportunities. According to reports from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, internship availability has fluctuated in recent years, while applicant pools continue to grow, making the process more competitive than ever.
McKenzie Moore, a third-year pre-veterinary medicine major from Tallahassee, FL, shared her opinion on the extremely difficult task of finding an internship now.
“Speaking from someone being in a field where it’s already hard to get an internship, on top of the fact that the economy is playing a huge role in the process, being even more competitive, it really has demotivated me to apply to internships,” Moore said.
Many companies have reduced internship programs or limited the number of available positions, while the number of applicants continues to grow. As a result, students are often expected to have more experience and stronger skill sets just to be considered, making the process increasingly difficult to navigate.
Edward Lloyd II, Founder of Innovate Financial, shared his perspective on the competitive environments students face in today’s world.
“Students lack high-paying skills, which are problem-solving, creative, and leadership qualities. In my view, the education system teaches our students skills that are no longer going to be needed in tomorrow’s world based on AI,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd, who has worked with and hired many FAMU Student interns, recognized this problem in 2023. Without these essential skills, many students enter the workforce at a disadvantage, struggling to stand out in an already competitive applicant pool. This gap in preparation can limit opportunities, leaving students underqualified for roles that now prioritize adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation.
Nyla Williams, a third-year business administration student, shared her thoughts and experience on acquiring an internship.“ I feel as though a lot of times these internship selection processes are biased and based on who you know. If you don’t have those resources, I know it makes the process that much harder,” Williams said.
This highlights a broader issue of unequal access to opportunities, in which connections can play a major role in who gets ahead. As competition continues to grow, students without strong networks may find themselves at an even greater disadvantage in securing internships.
