New Report Examines the Value of Global Internships in Building Career Readiness

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, students are increasingly seeking ways to stand out from their peers. For universities, the challenge lies in preparing students for a workforce that demands not only technical expertise but also global competencies. A recent landmark report, Standing Out in a Competitive Market: The Impact of a Global Internship on Career Readiness, provides compelling evidence of how global internships empower students with career-launching skills, confirming their relevance in shaping the future workforce.

A Collaborative Milestone for Global Internships

The report, jointly published by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Institute of International Education (IIE), analyzed feedback from 607 global internship alumni, including participants from Virtual Internships, AIFS Abroad, and other major organizations.

This collaborative research validates the transformative value of global internships through an independent and holistic lens. It underscores the verified outcomes of global internships but also incorporates authentic alumni voices to demonstrate their impact on career readiness.

Key Findings: Global Internships as Career Catalysts

The findings are clear: global internships are more than resume boosters—they’re pathways to career success.

• Career-Launching Potential:

  • 75% of alumni confirmed their global internship helped secure their first full-time job. This echoes findings from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which reported that 70% of employers are more likely to hire candidates with internship experience.
  • 85% highlighted their internship experiences in CVs and professional profiles, showcasing their value in professional branding.

• Expanded Career Pathways:

  • 56% affirmed their internship solidified their interest in a chosen industry.
  • 1 in 4 alumni gained employment with their host company, signaling the potential for internships to transition into full-time roles—a sentiment supported by LinkedIn's Workforce Learning Report, which emphasizes the importance of internships in building professional networks.

• Diversity and Inclusion:

  • 64% of respondents represented underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students, demonstrating the potential of global internships to broaden access to transformative experiences.

Building 21st-Century Workforce Skills

Employers consistently rank communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving as the most critical skills for workforce success. Global internships excel in developing these competencies:

• Intercultural Skills: 86% of participants reported growth in navigating diverse cultural contexts, a skill increasingly valued in a globalized economy.
• Adaptability: 85% noted increased comfort in ambiguous environments, reflecting the demands of dynamic work settings.
• Communication and Teamwork: Nearly 80% of alumni said their global internship significantly enhanced these skills, aligning with findings from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), which emphasizes their role in fostering employability​.

Virtual Internships’ mandatory coaching calls and structured mentorship programs further reinforce these skills, ensuring interns are equipped to transition seamlessly into professional roles.

Alumni Voices: The Impact in Their Words

Beyond the statistics, alumni testimonials paint a vivid picture of how global internships influence career trajectories:

• Completing an internship abroad expanded my professional network and exposed me to diverse work environments, making me more attractive to employers. It also influenced my decision to work with my current employer because they valued international experience."
  
• "I believe that the skills developed through my internship gave me the competitive edge to secure my first post-graduate role in an NGO, the field I want to work in. Although I'm no longer in that role, the skills from my internship continue to benefit me."
• "My current employer is actually my host company from my internship—so it definitely had a positive influence on my decision to accept full-time employment."

These accounts underscore how global internships not only prepare students for their first jobs but also shape their long-term professional journeys.

What It Means for Universities

As higher education institutions increasingly prioritize career readiness, integrating global internships into academic programming is no longer optional—it’s essential. The AAC&U’s Career-Ready Graduate Report stresses the importance of experiential learning, noting that internships are among the top three predictors of career success.

• Collaborative Support: Partnering with organizations like Virtual Internships ensures students have access to pre-screened placements, mentorship, and impactful project-based work. Such partnerships also alleviate the logistical challenges universities face in securing high-quality internship opportunities.
• Expanding Diversity Initiatives: The report’s findings highlight the potential of global internships to attract underrepresented students, offering universities a pathway to enhance equity in experiential learning programs.

For university leaders and educators, the question isn’t whether to promote global internships but how to maximize their impact. By embedding these experiences into curriculum frameworks and collaborating with established internship providers, institutions can empower students to thrive in a competitive job market.

Partner with us to Connect Ambitious Students with Impactful Global Internships

The evidence is irrefutable: global internships are transformative experiences that equip students with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to excel in their careers. As universities continue to innovate their approach to experiential learning, global internships offer a proven model for building workforce-ready graduates.

To learn more about integrating global internships into your institution’s offerings and how scaffolded support, as well as built-in coaching, can help your students maximize their internship experience, connect with Virtual Internships today and discover how we’re shaping the future of global work experience.