The list below includes the key reasons why students pursue internships.
This data is from WetFeet Inc.’s Internship Programs Report 2004 .
Students take on internships to strengthen their resumes (51 percent), try out a new company or industry (46 percent) as well as embark on a challenge (43 percent).
Money is also a key motivator (38 percent) as is the opportunity to try out a potential employer (35 percent).
For undergraduates, strengthening the resume figures even more than other interns.
As far as MBA students, they’re driven by the chance to better understand a company, job or industry (54 percent) while also hoping to strengthening their resume and do interesting work (44 percent each).
| All students | Undergrad | MBA | Other Grad Students (All) | |
| Respondents | n=2,161 | n=866 | n=1,188 | n=107 |
| % | % | % | % | |
| Strengthen my resume | 51 | 60 | 44 | 53 |
| Try out a new company/industry/job | 46 | 37 | 54 | 22 |
| Do interesting/challenging work | 43 | 42 | 44 | 50 |
| Earn money | 38 | 47 | 30 | 44 |
| Try out a potential full-time employer | 35 | 24 | 43 | 37 |
| Learn new skills | 25 | 30 | 21 | 28 |
| Get a full-time job offer from employer | 23 | 12 | 32 | 13 |
| Make connections/network | 21 | 30 | 14 | 24 |
| Live in a specific city/location | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| Have a fun summer | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Community service | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |