Gone are the days when a college degree alone guaranteed a strong start to your career. Today, employers are hiring fewer entry-level professionals, thanks in part to AI automating tasks that were once reserved for recent graduates.
Research shows that 52% of college grads are underemployed a year after graduation, often stuck in jobs that don’t require a degree. Even worse? Less than half escape underemployment in the next decade.
This shift means graduates must enter the job market with more than just a diploma; they need real-world experience. And that’s where internships come in. Employers now expect new hires to hit the ground running with both technical and professional skills like critical thinking, adaptability, communication and problem-solving. Without hands-on experience, graduates risk falling into the “skills gap” where their education doesn’t align with workplace demands.
Internships provide:
- Practical Skills – Applying classroom knowledge in real business settings.
- Professional Networking – Building relationships that can lead to job offers.
- AI-Proof Experience – Developing human-centric skills (judgment, empathy, problem-framing) that AI cannot replicate.
Multiple Internships = Competitive Advantage
With fewer traditional entry-level roles available, students who complete multiple internships significantly boost their chances of landing a job post-graduation. Internships are no longer just a resume booster—they’re a necessity to stand out in a crowded job market. If you’re a student, waiting until your senior year to gain experience is just too late. Start interning early, diversify your experiences and build the skills employers actually want. Your future self will thank you. Want proof? Our alumni say it best—see how TWC transformed their career paths and how you can launch a TWC experience of your own.
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