National Internship Awareness Month

National Internship Awareness Month timeline

2019

Paid internships returned to Capitol Hill

After 30 years of unpaid internships in Washington, the non-profit Pay Our Interns successfully convinced Congress to allot money to pay political interns.

Paying interns is important because money allows more diverse candidates the financial freedom to accept these important internships.

2015

"The Intern" released

Interns got the star treatment in this comedy where Robert De Niro plays a 70-year- old intern at a fashion magazine.

2011

Occupy Wall Street

When millennials realized that they were facing record economic downward mobility, they joined the Occupy Wall Street movement to protest wealth inequality and unfair labor practices, including exploitative unpaid internships.

In the years that followed, many large companies began giving interns stipends for the time they work.

1937

Congress passes the National Apprenticeship Law

Think of it as a precursor to National Internship Awareness Month. This law set out the definition and expectations for both employers and interns in the U.S. about what an internship constitutes. The National Apprenticeship Law also promoted internships in professional fields beyond medicine.

1500s-1800s

Apprenticeships

Since medieval times, certain trade professions would pass on knowledge by way of a master to an apprentice. People learned crafts such as construction, wizardry, painting and sculpture, and metalworking by receiving mentorship from an older practitioner. The key difference between internships and apprenticeships is that apprentices would receive lodging and food for their labor, whereas many of today's internships are unpaid.

National Internship Awareness Month FAQs

When is National Internship Awareness Month?

In 2027, National Internship Awareness Month will again take place throughout April, emphasizing the continuous need for quality intern experiences. The month serves as a dedicated period to foster professional growth and talent acquisition.

How many students participate in internships annually?

Internship participation continues to be a critical step for career entry. For the class of 2027, projections suggest a similar high rate of engagement, with many students leveraging these experiences for full-time job offers post-graduation.

What are the benefits of internships for employers?

Beyond talent acquisition, internships in 2027 will continue to serve as a cost-effective recruitment tool and a way to build a positive employer brand. Companies can test new roles or projects with intern support, gaining valuable insights without long-term commitments.

Are most internships paid?

As of 2027, paid internships are the prevailing standard across many industries, though unpaid opportunities may still exist in certain non-profit or government sectors. Advocacy for fair wages ensures that internships remain accessible and beneficial for all students.

How to Observe National Internship Awareness Month

Treat an intern to a coffee

Let National Internship Awareness Month be a reminder: They deserve it.

Take pride in yourself

You’ve taken your first step into the adult world, and that's something you can stick on your mom's fridge.

Make a treat for the office

Make muffins, or buy some cookies. It’s an excellent way to show your employer that you're grateful for their help.

Why National Internship Awareness Month is Important

Practical experiences

Young people learn valuable skills which will follow them for a lifetime. You can't learn it all in a classroom.

Hard work

Millennials get a bad rap, but millions of young Americans are working hard for their unpaid internships. They do this because they know their work will go toward building a viable resumé in today’s treacherous economy.

Job potential

It's a great idea to see if your employer has any open jobs. It saves you from a grueling job search, and the company will have one less interview to do.