What’s the best way to gauge Hoosier employers’ summer internship plans? Ask them.
That’s the approach taken by Indiana INTERNnet (IIN), a free internship-matching program connecting employers, students, high schools, colleges and universities. It’s managed by the Indiana Chamber.
“When it became clear to Indiana INTERNnet that COVID-19 was going to alter the state of internships across Indiana, our first efforts were to better understand our employers’ intentions for summer 2020 by creating and distributing the Indiana Internship Survey,” remarks IIN Executive Director Mike Slocum.
The first survey, conducted in March, had 220-plus respondents spanning a variety of industries. A just-completed follow-up in April included 181 employers participating.
“The good news is that Hoosier employers are not wholesale giving up on their internship plans,” Slocum observes. “Of those who planned on hosting interns before the COVID-19 outbreak, most will continue to do so – although nearly half of these employers will be implementing changes to their program, such as a later start date or virtual options to begin the internship.”
Be among the first to see the April results. You can also view the full March findings.
In addition, IIN hosted virtual meetups for educators, employers and students throughout April and is helping employers plan for fall internship programs.
Students are strongly pursuing internship opportunities: More than 3,000 registered on www.indianaintern.net in March and April. During that timeframe, nearly 5,000 students logged on to the site.
Employers are engaged also as the IIN platform features 1,100 active internship positions.
“Internships and work-based learning are continuing despite the COVID-19 outbreak,” Slocum asserts. “Indiana INTERNnet is – and will continue – to assist in making crucial talent connections.”
