With most of the nation’s colleges and universities quickly nearing the end of the spring semester, tens of thousands students and new graduates across the country are preparing to embark on summer internships, which are increasingly vital to career development.  However, one workplace authority warns that many interns will fail to maximize the experience and convert it into a full-time position.

“Internships are more important than ever.  We are at a point in this recovery where job gains are finally gaining momentum, but, overall, employers remain cautious when it comes to hiring.  They want to ensure that they are bringing in the most talented candidates who mesh will with the company and its workers.  Internships offer an ideal on-the-job testing ground that more and more employers rely on for identifying and recruiting entry-level workers,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

“The problem is that many interns simply show up every day, put in their hours and never give any thought about how to get the most out of their short time with the employer and taking the extra steps necessary to turn this temporary position into a full-time one,” he added.

According to an outlook released earlier this year by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the entry-level job market has improved steadily over the last two years.  However, the competition for these positions remains fierce and having internship experience is a must on any resume.  The latest data shows that the number of internships being offered is on the rise. Continue Reading