Internship applications nearly double in a year as students face a 'pressure cooker' market

Key facts

• Average applications per internship rose from 62 in 2023-2024 to 109 in 2024-2025.
• Technology internships received 273 applications per posting, the highest of any sector.
• Financial services saw 192 applications per posting, up from 100 the previous year.
• Internship postings on Handshake declined double digits each of the last three years.
• 41% of class of 2025 users applied to internships via Handshake, versus 34% of class of 2023.
• Only 4% of students are motivated by pay alone; 72% prioritize skill-building and networking.
• 32% of students prefer companies with 201 to 1,000 employees—the 'Goldilocks' firm size.

The competition surge

Internships have become nearly twice as competitive as they were just a year ago, according to career platform Handshake's 2025 Internship Index. The average number of applications per internship posting soared to 109 for the 2024-2025 cycle, up from 62 in 2023-2024 and 43 in 2022-2023. That means students are now competing against roughly two and a half times as many peers for each position compared to two years ago. Technology internships are the most fiercely contested, drawing an average of 273 applications per posting. Financial services follow with 192, and professional services with 187. These figures represent sharp increases from the previous year, when those sectors attracted 161, 100, and 109 applications per posting, respectively.

Why internships are harder to land

The intensifying competition stems from two converging trends: a decline in internship postings and a rising share of undergraduates applying. the number of internship listings on its platform has fallen by double digits each of the last three years. At the same time, 41% of class of 2025 users have applied to an internship through Handshake, compared to 34% of the class of 2023 by graduation. Randy Tarnowski, director of research at Handshake, attributes the drop in postings to a correction after the post-pandemic hiring boom. “We're in this interesting place right now where we're leveling out from that 2022 hiring boom,” he said. He emphasized that employers are not abandoning internships; rather, they are “doubling down in ways on their early talent programs” after a period of inflated listings.

Student priorities shift toward experience and belonging

While compensation might seem the obvious driver, a survey by U.S. News reveals that only 4% of students are motivated by pay alone. The vast majority—72%—prioritize skill-building and networking over a paycheck. Students are seeking a place to “truly belong and grow,” according to the report, which signals a departure from the remote-first, big-brand obsession that characterized earlier cohorts. The same survey highlights a preference for mid-sized companies: 32% of students favor firms with 201 to 1,000 employees, a “Goldilocks” size that offers hands-on experience and in-person mentorship without the impersonality of a giant corporation. Only 15% of students want fully remote roles, suggesting a backlash against the isolation of virtual work.

The 'pressure cooker' reality for students

One student described the current environment as a “pressure cooker,” reflecting the stress of navigating an increasingly competitive landscape. The Handshake report, which surveyed more than 6,000 college students and alumni, underscores the emotional toll. Students who struggle to secure internships face not only lost career opportunities but also heightened anxiety about their future prospects. This pressure is compounded by the sheer volume of applications required. highlighted a college student who submitted 456 applications and received only one internship offer. Such stories, while anecdotal, resonate with a generation that feels the stakes have never been higher.

Wider context: scams and exploitation persist

The scramble for internships has created fertile ground for scammers, who are targeting high school seniors in record numbers, according to recent reports. Meanwhile, unpaid internships remain a contentious issue. In the U.K., illegal unpaid internships are still being advertised, and veterinary interns have spoken out against exploitation. These problems are not new, but the current competition may make students more vulnerable to accepting poor conditions. Even legitimate internships can be financially untenable. One viral story described a woman who commutes by plane to her New York job because it is cheaper than renting an apartment in the city—a stark illustration of the cost-of-living crisis intersecting with early-career opportunities.

What comes next for employers and applicants

Employers are advised to align their programs with shifting student expectations. offers tools for organizations to adapt, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. For students, the key is to strategically build a standout profile before graduation, focusing on skill acquisition and networking rather than chasing brand names or remote flexibility. Handshake's Tarnowski suggests that the current market is a “correction” rather than a long-term trend, but the data indicates that competition will remain intense for the foreseeable future. As one student put it, the internship hunt has become a high-stakes game where preparation, persistence, and a clear sense of priorities are essential to success.

The bottom line

• Internship competition has nearly doubled year-over-year, with 109 average applications per posting in 2024-2025.
• Technology, financial services, and professional services are the most competitive sectors.
• Only 4% of students are motivated by pay; 72% prioritize skill-building and networking.
• Students prefer mid-sized companies (201-1,000 employees) and in-person or hybrid roles.
• Internship postings have declined for three consecutive years, but employers are investing more in early talent programs.
• The intense competition is fueling student stress, scams, and exploitation in the internship market.