Abstract

Purpose This paper seeks to report the results of an empirical investigation of the relationship
between internship participation and student employment marketability. The study aims to identify
the value that employers attribute to internships as a qualification for employment and as a factor in
determining compensation.
Design/methodology/approach The study presents the results of a survey of 185 employers of
392 interns enrolled in an AACSB-accredited business college in a Northeastern US university. The
survey examined the perceived value of the internship experience, the effect of intern performance on
internship value perceptions, and the relationship between internship participation and employer
selection and compensation decisions.