An examination of internships and job opportunities

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an empirical study examining the relationship between participation in an accounting internship and increased job opportunities. Most prior studies have examined the benefits of internship programs while in school or the benefits of internships on professional learning, socialization, and personal characteristics in preparing students for entry into the profession. There has been a paucity of empirical studies examining the relationship between internships and job opportunities, which is a primary reason why students enter internship programs, schools establish them, and employers hire interns. We surveyed professional employees below the manager level among three Big 4 firms and a large regional CPA firm, and found that the effect of internship experience on job opportunities depends upon the circumstances. The results indicate that employing firms highly value internship experience and that internship experience is useful for students in getting job opportunities whether or not they stay with the internship firm. © by author(s).