42% of young spanish people secure a job at the place where they do their internships

Internships are a crucial phase in the academic journey for many students, offering a gateway to professional careers. In Spain, a significant 42% of young people secure employment at their internship sites, surpassing the European average of 39%. This statistic highlights the value of internships in the job market.

The Importance of Internships

Internships serve as the first professional experience for many students, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.

Delphine Arnau, Head of Corporate Relations & Career Services at TBS Education-Barcelona, emphasizes that internships are mutually beneficial for students and companies. Companies gain access to talented individuals, while students get practical experience and a potential job offer.

Key Factors for a Successful Internship

According to Eurobarameter survey, in Europe, 4 out of 5 young people do internships at some point in their lives. Arnau states that this is because “although the period usually does not exceed 6 months, it is very productive, as learning occurs in a different way, through real challenges that allow students to assess their abilities and challenge themselves.” However, not all internships are the same, and it is important to consider certain aspects when choosing a company.

According to Arnau, to maximize the benefits of an internship, students should consider the following factors:

• Definition of objectives: First of all, it is important to know what objectives are to be achieved when choosing the internship location. Questioning what is expected from that period can be key for the student when deciding on one company or another. “Does the student prioritize an international company? Or do they prefer to dedicate their internship to gaining in-depth knowledge of the management area? Answering these questions is more crucial than students may think,” explains Arnau.
• Preliminary research: Once the objectives are defined, it is important to conduct preliminary research to know what the company does, what functions it performs, and how the student’s talent could fit into the team. This way, “it is easier to choose the right position, which allows the student to maximize their knowledge and have a higher chance of staying with the company,” clarifies Delphine Arnau.
• Broad Search Strategy: Defining a search strategy that is not limited to one sector is key to broadening the spectrum of possibilities. This way, it is easier to quickly find an internship.
• Proactivity and Motivation: According to Arnau, it is important to remain “proactive and motivated, values that can be decisive in turning the internship into a more lasting work experience. Additionally, staying open-minded at all times also allows for closer relationships, deeper learning, and making sure the student’s profile does not go unnoticed.”

Role of Educational Institutions

However, a truly satisfying experience also requires inevitable involvement from the student’s institution. At TBS Education-Barcelona, they emphasize the need to adopt a hands-on education methodology from the outset, engaging students and motivating them to learn independently, involving themselves in a more practical way. “This allows for an easier introduction to the labor market,” explains Delphine. Additionally, it is essential to provide students with access to leading companies that are at the forefront in terms of student training, have a global vision, and are leaders in their fields to ensure the best experience for the student.

Institutional Support

Support from the institution is also important. Since the internship period began, 75% of third-year Bachelor students at TBS Education-Barcelona, according to data provided by the business school, have already found their internships, and 92% will find a job within less than 6 months. Of these third-year Bachelor students who started their internships at the end of March, 43% have been recruited by Spanish companies.

According to Arnau, “the motivation to undertake this academic stage is key, and in this, the institution plays an essential role.” In this regard, it is worth noting that 80% of MSc (master’s) students at the business school have decided to do internships even though it is not mandatory. Arnau concludes that “there is an increasing interest in undertaking internships.”