The Demand for Interns
By David A. Jaeger, John M. Nunley, R. Alan Seals Jr., Carrie L. Shandra, and Eric J. Wilbrandt
Published in Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization (2023)

This groundbreaking study provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the U.S. internship market, using data from over 11,000 applications and 28,551 internship advertisements. Conducted by experts in labor economics, including firm members John M. Nunley and R. Alan Seals, the research sheds light on the factors influencing internship opportunities and outcomes.

Key findings include:

• Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: About two-thirds of internships are unpaid. Paid internships are more common in full-time roles and closely linked to specific occupations, whereas unpaid internships dominate part-time opportunities.
• Disparities in Access: Applicants with Black-sounding names received 30% fewer positive responses compared to White-sounding names, with disparities most pronounced in unpaid internships.
• Role of Prior Experience: Having previous internship experience significantly increases the likelihood of securing another internship, emphasizing the importance of breaking into the market early.
• Economic Influences: Higher local unemployment rates and minimum wages are associated with fewer paid internships, indicating that broader labor market conditions impact internship availability.

This study has garnered international media attention, including Time Magazine, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and the BBC, highlighting its relevance to current debates on equity, opportunity, and labor market policies.

For students and employers alike, this research underscores the crucial role of internships in shaping early career trajectories while exposing systemic barriers that must be addressed.