As graduation day approaches, many students face a pressing question: Does classroom learning alone prepare me for the real world?
According to the 2025 NSLS State of Higher Ed report, the answer is clear: internships give students an edge, with an overwhelming 95.9% of undergraduates who had an internship saying it prepared them for a career.
So, where does that leave traditional academics, and what role should experiential learning play in shaping career readiness?
Coursework teaches theories, frameworks, and technical knowledge. But employers are looking for more, particularly soft skills. They want candidates who can collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, the very skills students say they sharpen through internships.
In fact, 65.2% of students reported developing decision-making skills in an internship, while 80% expanded their professional networks. Nearly all said their experience gave them confidence stepping into the workforce.
Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that students with internships receive more job offers and higher starting salaries than those without. In fact, even in technical industries, interns who gain soft skills like teamwork and communication are promoted 13% faster than peers, according to LinkedIn.
Simply put: internships don’t just fill résumés — they help develop the skills necessary to step into the workforce with impact.
This doesn’t mean traditional coursework is irrelevant. Class projects, research papers, and labs all build foundational knowledge. But there’s a gap. Students often struggle to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
For example, 87.2% of undergraduates feel prepared for the workplace, yet only 51.5% identified problem-solving as a critical soft skill. Meanwhile, nearly nine in ten employers say it’s essential.
That disconnect reveals a blind spot. While coursework may cover theory, it doesn’t always help students demonstrate those skills to employers. Internships bridge that gap by turning abstract lessons into practical, résumé-ready experiences.
Today’s workforce is more collaborative, fast-moving, and skills-based than ever before. According to NACE, nearly two-thirds of employers now use a skills-first hiring model, prioritizing demonstrated abilities over degrees alone.
That’s where experiential learning comes in. Whether through internships, service-learning projects, or peer mentoring, hands-on opportunities help students:
Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings
Gain confidence in leadership and decision-making
Build professional networks and mentorship connections
Develop the “people skills” employers value most
As employers increasingly prioritize skills over degrees, these experiences give students a competitive edge in a changing job market.
An internship also gives students an opportunity to imagine what their future may look like if they pursued a career in their internship’s field.
According to a recent Handshake study, 72% of students sought out an internship to help them decide what type of jobs they might want later in life, with 59% saying an internship was an essential step to clarifying their career goals.
For the most part, this clarification stands: 80% say their internship impacted their level of interest in pursuing a full-time offer from their internship employer.
This shows that internships not only help students develop integral skills that will be useful in real-world settings, but they also confirm — or redirect — their future paths. Without this career dress rehearsal, a false start in one’s career becomes far more likely.
Colleges don’t have to choose between coursework and internships. Instead, they can integrate both to maximize impact. Here’s how:
Embed real-world projects into the curriculum. Service learning, simulations, and industry collaborations can make theory come alive.
Expand access to internships. Currently, only 17.2% of undergraduates participate in internships, leaving most without this crucial advantage.
Bring professionals into the classroom. Guest speakers, mentorships, and alumni panels help students see what skills actually matter.
Coach students on storytelling. Résumé workshops and mock interviews can help translate class projects into demonstrable career skills.
If you’re a student wondering how to prepare for life after graduation, remember that coursework builds your foundation, but internships will help you build your future.
Seek out experiential opportunities, whether formal internships, research projects, or student leadership roles. Learn to connect your experiences to the skills employers value. And don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Create them. Because an internship can be the advantage, differentiator, and guiding light for your future career.