When you think about hot girl summer, internships don’t exactly make the moodboard. However, for many young professionals, especially Black women carving out space in competitive industries, summer is becoming less about vibes and more about resumes. A new report from Glassdoor shows that internships are not only more competitive than ever, they’re also more crucial in securing full-time work in a job market that feels like it’s constantly shifting.

With 63 percent of professionals saying their internship helped them land a full-time role and 75 percent of Gen Z respondents confirming the same, it’s clear that internships aren’t optional anymore. In fact, they’re essential.

Internships: Not Just for Undergraduate Students Anymore

Internships use to be an undergraduate college student’s rite of passage, but that’s changing. Danny Cao, head of Glassdoor’s intern program, says there’s been a rise in recent graduates applying for internships, signaling a shift in the market. Internships are now seen as stepping stones for both students and early-career professionals trying to get a foot in the door. With companies, like Capital One, Microsoft, and Adobe, offering monthly intern salaries upwards of $8,000, the stakes and the bags are real.

While technology and finance dominate the top internship rankings, not every industry is created equal. According to the data, internships in fields, like Education and Government, saw fewer applications.

Timing Is Everything

If you haven’t landed your internship yet, don’t panic. The application season peaks in the spring and runs until mid-May, so you still have time. Keep in mind that the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Glassdoor’s research shows that listings often go live before the application surge, so jumping in early gives you a leg up.

The industry you’re targeting matters. Finance internships, for example, tend to drop earlier in the fall, while media and government opportunities hit a little later in the season. If you’re in a creative or public service field, there’s still time to make your move.

The Pressure and Payoff Is Real

Black women navigating a system that often overlooks them know they have to be twice as prepared for the same opportunities. Internships can feel like another hoop to jump through, but they offer more than just a job title. If a role doesn’t turn into a full-time gig, it can give you other things:

  • Clarity on your career path: Sometimes, you don’t know what you don’t want until you’re doing it.
  • Exposure to corporate culture: From navigating team dynamics to managing your time, the office grind is different from school.
  • A stronger resume: Employers want experience. An internship says, “I’ve done the work.”
  • A foot in the door: In competitive industries like tech, business, and design, internships help put you in the right place for your next step.
  • Networking opportunities: Your next job might come from a Slack message or a 15-minute coffee chat.

Where Are the Best Internships?

Glassdoor ranked the top 25 internships based on salary, employee reviews, and company culture. Some standout roles include:

  • Capital One – $8,833/month
  • LinkedIn – $8,333/month
  • Adobe – $8,500/month
  • McKinsey & Company – $8,333/month
  • Microsoft – $7,875/month

Tech giants dominate the list, but there are also notable opportunities in finance, healthcare, and consulting.

If you’re worried about whether you’re “too old” to be applying for internships, the truth is you’re not. Whether you’re finishing graduate school, changing careers, or coming back into the workforce, an internship can be a powerful reset. In this climate, it might just be the smartest move you make all year.

The Bottom Line

Internships in 2025 are not what they used to be. They’re more competitive, more valuable, and more stressful. However, they’re also a space to grow, network, and find direction. Remember that you have the power to reshape what success looks like, even if that means starting with an internship.

Apply with confidence, know your worth and your ideal salary range. Don’t be afraid to follow up. The right opportunity is out there and it just might be the launchpad you’ve been waiting for.