Tracking the barriers : why don't more students do internships?

Abstract

In the broad and complex world of academia, it is rare to find such wholehearted support across disciplines as exists for student internships. Such enthusiasm is also present among College of Business students at Montana State University. Students gave high rankings to the importance of participating in an internship, and the influence of an internship on career success. Two-thirds of surveyed students had completed, signed up for, or appeared interested in an internship. But despite this interest level, less than 15% of COB students complete an internship. A variety of barriers keep students from internships, including time, money and, possibly most significant--the fact that they simply do not know what internship opportunities are available. Academic advisors and faculty members may also play a role in encouraging or discouraging internships. Several concrete suggestions for boosting participation in the COB internship program can be made based on student comments and research findings.