According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2004 Experiential Education Survey, employers surveyed reported that, on average, they extend offers for full-time employment to nearly 60% of the students who interned or co-oped with them.
In a separate study, employers rated internships and co-op programs among their most effective methods for attracting and hiring new college graduates. "Many employers look first at their own interns or co-op students when they have job opportunities. These are students who have some 'track record' with them," says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
Mackes says participating in an internship or co-op makes the student attractive to other employers. "Work-related experience is something employers look for. It's evidence the student can do the job. This gives the student an edge in the job market over other candidates who don't have that experience."
Besides connecting them with potential employers, there is another advantage to internships and co-ops. "Nearly half the employers in our survey said they offer higher starting salaries to new college graduate hires who have had co-op or internship experience," says Mackes.