The Impact of Internships on Graduates’ Employability: Employers’ Insights

Abstract

Internships serve as a valuable tool for students to develop their skills and knowledge, preparing them for a smooth transition into the workforce. The participation in internships amongst students in Singapore has increased as students recognise the need to distinguish themselves from their peers in the job market. Additionally, there is a common belief that employers prioritise fresh graduates with extensive internship backgrounds from reputable organisations. The Singapore National Employers Federation conducted a survey to challenge this belief and examine employers’ perspectives on the internship experiences of fresh graduates. A total of 208 organisations, with a combined workforce size of nearly 250,000, responded to the survey conducted from December 14, 2023 to February 20, 2024. Results suggested that a majority of employers do not consider the number of internships completed and profile of internship organisation as priorities. This paper sheds light on what employers look out for when assessing the internship experiences of fresh graduates. It also discusses the implications for other stakeholders, including students and Institutes of Higher Learning.