A new report by the career site Handshake just revealed that the average number of applications per internship opportunity in the United States has close to doubled in the past year, skyrocketing from 62 in 2023-24 to 109 for the 2024-25 period. In the highly competitive tech sector, the report cited a whopping 273 applications per internship posting!
For college students and young people entering the job market, these numbers are reflective of the pressure cooker environment they’re experiencing when it comes to securing coveted opportunities to build essential skills and explore potential career paths.
The demand for these programs is undeniably skyrocketing, making now the ideal time for companies to expand their early career opportunities. After all, a well-designed internship program isn’t just a talent pipeline — it’s a strategic powerhouse! When young professionals are given the chance to shine, businesses build brand awareness, foster innovation, and shape long-term talent strategies. Now that’s a win-win!
The caveat? These programs are only mutually beneficial when done right. A subpar (or downright negative) intern experience will taint their first impression, quickly steering that young talent away from growing their career with your company.
That’s where global mobility comes in. By equipping interns with the right support – from lump sums to bespoke tech tools, roommate matching services and housing support – we can ensure a smooth ride for incoming interns, allowing them to immerse themselves in the experience unburdened by the stress of finding a place to stay or managing their expenses.
The growing popularity of internships and early career programs – and the growing reliance upon mobility teams in driving their success — has fueled our research in this area over the past three years, and we’re thrilled to unveil the results of our most recent and comprehensive survey.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Our Latest Intern Research
Weichert Workforce Mobility, in partnership with Weichert Corporate Housing, is thrilled to share the findings of our 2025 Intern and Early Career Survey exploring the trends, opportunities, and challenges surrounding these programs for global employers. This year, we’ve broadened our geographic scope, inviting 59 leading employers from across the globe to share how they’re nurturing opportunities for the next generation of talent.
Here are some of the top trends explored in the report:
- Internship Trends: Companies expect the number of internships to stay the same or decline next year. Interestingly, there’s a shift away from traditional internships, with co-op programs on the rise.
- Global Reach: Internships are offered worldwide, with the top five countries being the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and a tie between Singapore and Brazil.
- Virtual Internships: In the post-pandemic “normal,” the number of companies offering virtual internships has dropped from 53% in 2022 to 37% in 2024. However, virtual internships have unlocked access to a global talent pool that was unimaginable just five years ago.
- Co-Op Programs: The number of co-op programs is rising, particularly in Canada, Australia, and Germany. These programs are multi-term work agreements that help young people transition from school to work.
- Recruitment Methods: College and university fairs remain the most common method for recruiting interns, with LinkedIn and other social media platforms also widely used. DE&I efforts are a key focus within internship programs.
These changes signal an exciting time for early career development! Companies are rethinking their intern talent strategies and tapping into cutting-edge tech tools to streamline program management and create better experiences for a more diverse intern cohort. This research delivers actionable insights that can help organizations strengthen their talent pipeline, harness the power of mobility, and gear up for the workforce of tomorrow.
The Mobility Edge
The value of mobility has never been stronger; it’s emerging as a cornerstone of long-term talent strategies, introduced earlier in the employee journey than ever before. By providing opportunities for relocation and cross-cultural experiences, companies are equipping future leaders with critical skills and global perspectives—a strategy that will empower these businesses with a distinct competitive advantage in an ever-changing job market!
Our 2025 Intern and Early Career Survey Research results reveal the dynamic and evolving landscape of internships, offering a first glimpse into how companies are accommodating early career talent in today’s ultra-competitive job market. Spoiler alert: free coffee and ping pong tables in the breakroom won’t cut it anymore. The findings underscore the critical role of these programs in developing a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Ready to Dive In? Register Now!
Join me on Wednesday March 19 as I team up with a dynamic lineup of mobility experts to reveal and discuss the key findings of our research and this intel can be leveraged to foster attractive and competitive programs that deliver what today’s interns really want. All registrants will receive a copy of the report and the webinar recording.
Thank you to all our participants for sharing their experiences and knowledge. Together, we’re shaping the future of work!
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