The Truth About Internships After Graduation

Already graduated but considering an internship? It's more common than you think, and it might be your best career move.

The Post-Grad Internship Reality

It's okay to intern after graduation:

• 43% of recent grads take internships post-graduation
• 60% of post-grad interns receive full-time offers
• Average conversion rate from intern to employee: 70%
• Better than unemployment gap on your resume

When Post-Grad Internships Make Sense

Good reasons to consider:

• Breaking into a competitive industry
• Pivoting to a new field from your major
• No relevant experience during college
• Targeting specific dream companies
• Building portfolio in creative fields

Red flags to avoid:

• Unpaid internships (your time has value!)
• No clear path to full-time employment
• Companies that cycle through interns
• Roles with no real responsibilities

Maximizing Your Internship

Turn it into a full-time offer:

• Act like a full-time employee from day one
• Deliver results beyond expectations
• Build relationships across departments
• Express interest in full-time early
• Ask for feedback regularly
• Document your achievements

Alternative Paths

If internships don't feel right:

• Contract-to-hire positions
• Temp agencies for office experience
• Freelance to build portfolio
• Entry-level roles at smaller companies
• Industry-specific training programs

Timeline Strategy

If taking a post-grad internship:

• Set a 6-month maximum limit
• Have a backup plan if no full-time offer
• Continue networking and building skills
• Apply to full-time roles simultaneously
• Negotiate for intern-to-full-time agreement

Remember: An internship after graduation isn't a step backward—it's a strategic move that can accelerate your career trajectory. Just make sure it's the right opportunity.