We put a lot of weight on internships—expecting them to be the key turning point for students as they transition into the workforce.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most students walk into their first internship unprepared. And we, as employers, educators, and workforce leaders, often expect them to “just figure it out.”

That’s not a fair ask.

The Readiness Gap No One Talks About

Internships are one of the most powerful tools we have to help students explore careers, build networks, and develop skills. But they only work when students know how to make the most of them.

Too often, students don’t know:

• How to tell their story during an interview

• What to wear or how to communicate professionally

• How to handle feedback or take initiative on a team

• Even how to navigate a networking event or workplace lunch

This isn’t about intelligence or motivation. It’s about exposure—and whether someone has taught them the unwritten rules of professional environments.

Employers Feel It Too

From the employer side, I hear the same frustration:

“Our interns are smart, but they’re unsure of how to contribute.”
“They’re great on paper, but lack confidence or communication skills.”
“We can’t tell if they’re a good long-term fit from just this summer.”

The internship is often treated as the test. But without preparation, many students aren’t even set up to take it.

So What’s the Answer?

We need to reframe internships as the middle—not the beginning—of the learning journey.

That means investing in pre-internship readiness: the skills, mindset, and experiences that help students show up on day one ready to learn, contribute, and grow.

This could include:

• Career exploration earlier in high school and college

• Realistic simulations of intern-level work

• Soft skill development (communication, collaboration, time management)

• Exposure to networking and workplace etiquette

• Guidance on resumes, interviews, and personal branding

It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational. And it creates better experiences—for students and employers.

A Call to Educators, Employers, and Policy Makers

If we care about equity, talent development, and long-term workforce success, we can’t leave this to chance.

Let’s stop assuming students are “just not ready” and instead ask:
What have we done to help them prepare?