Why BYU interns?

Students

Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that perhaps are not found in textbooks.
Cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world.
Increase marketability to employers. On average, only 30% of graduating seniors have job offers before graduation; however, after completing an internship, that figure rises to 58%.
Evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing to full-time employment—a "try before you buy" type experience.
Ease transition from being a student to entering the workforce.
Increase opportunities within a company for faster advancement and growth.
Increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals.
Facilitate a higher starting salary than non-interns. In a recent study interns received, on average, $2,240 more than non-interns for starting salary.
Have resumé-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.
Spread the gospel in many areas through example and lifestyles.
Have opportunities to fund college education.
Have personal growth experiences and exposure to different job opportunities.
Have hands-on opportunities to work with equipment and technology that may not be available on campus.
According to interns from BYU, students gain the following benefits through academic internships: experience, skill development, perspective, supervision, professional connections, academic credit, earnings, the opportunity to represent BYU, and to provide service to others.

Internship Providers

Creates the opportunity to recruit future employees. (In one year, Hewlett Packard recruited 70% of its new hires from its pool of interns.)
Gives the opportunity to evaluate prospective employees virtually risk free.
Saves money since an intern receives less pay and fewer benefits than a full-time employee.
Functions as flexible, cost-effective work force without long-term commitments.
Frees up professional staff to pursue more creative projects.
Offers a year-round source of highly motivated pre-professionals.
Garners quality candidates for temporary or seasonal positions and short-term projects.
Brings new and innovative ideas to an employer.
Presents an excellent way to find new, energetic, and skilled employees who bring latest industry knowledge fresh from lectures and other campus resources.
Seamlessly converts student interns to full-time employees who can be immediately productive.
Strengthens the bond with the university and projects a favorable image in the community.
Allows the employer the opportunity to have an impact on molding the lives of students.

Department/University

Validates the university's curriculum in a working environment.
Improves post-graduation statistics for the university.
May accelerate corporate fund-raising efforts.
Provides learning experiences that are more valuable than case studies and lectures.
Connects faculty to current trends within their professional field.
Develops more competitive and employable graduates.
Increases program credibility and student excellence as well as stronger ties with alumni in the professional fields.