From Experience to Impact: The Internship Advantage

When students make an investment in education, they’re making an investment in themselves. It only makes sense that they want meaningful proof that they’re getting a good return on their significant investment of time and money.

However, it’s important to note that they not only need skills to conquer an ambiguous and hyper-competitive business landscape. They also want (and expect) their schools to help them acquire the life skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world where they succeed academically, professionally and personally.¹

That’s where good student internship programs weigh heavily in college and university selections.

Internships as a Path to Success

According to a recent survey of college-aged students, more than half said that internships are essential to career progress. Even students not currently participating in internship programs reported that they see them as critical for career clarity and direction.² They are hungry for programs that prioritize experiential learning and real-world experience that show value for their education dollars.

In short, students see effective internship programs as a critical bridge from college to career…and they’re depending on leaders in higher ed to help them build the foundational skills necessary to strengthen that bridge.

Confidence…With Credentials

A great part of my job is visiting campuses all over the U.S., where I always make it a point to speak with one of the more than 200 students participating in Sodexo internship programs each year. Interestingly, they often tell me that, in their curated “highlight reel” culture, anyone can project confidence. What they want is authentic confidence that comes from doing the work.

Through internships, they get it.

They appreciate having opportunities from marketing to sustainability to nutrition and even operations that build their confidence based on measurable, definable outcomes that are essential components of a structured, experiential internship program. And when it’s time to interview for a job, they’re not just talking about what they could do, they’re showing what they’ve already done.

And internships aren’t just valuable for students; they give employers direct access to one of the most tech-savvy, socially connected talent pools available today. By partnering with colleges and offering strong mentorship, organizations can build a reliable pipeline of future hires who are ready to make an immediate impact. 

Supporting Exploration and Discovery

Another thing I often hear from Sodexo’s student interns is that, until they successfully completed our program, they never considered a career in supply chain optimization, food service operations, retail financial analyses or facilities management.  

Which is why I firmly believe that an important feature of an effective internship program is providing multiple opportunities for students to solidify their career goals and explore career paths that they may not have considered. When students have an opportunity to contribute to their team in ways that push them outside of their comfort zone, many find that they land in a surprising new area they’re excited to explore.

 

Where It All “Clicks”

When done right, internships deliver real impact and regularly prove their worth. 

Whether students are supporting wellness programs, building an inclusive community through dining experiences, or diving into the analytics behind operations, they’re gaining the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

And that’s the goal…not just helping students graduate but helping them thrive as they step into what’s next.

Learn more about students who unleashed their potential through Sodexo’s Campus Internship Program by reading “Igniting Tomorrow: How Sodexo Interns Spark the Next Generation,” in the latest issue of Faces of Sodexo.