Interns' Contributions Often Undervalued by Employers
In the ever-evolving landscape of Russian education and employment, the role of internships for university students has become increasingly significant. Recent studies reveal a strong emphasis on practice-oriented internships in key industries such as tourism, international business, education, government/public administration, and technology-related fields.
Approximately a third (28%) of employers don't think it's necessary to offer paid internships, while a third (34%) of companies without internship programs cite a lack of budget as the reason. However, most employers (84%) accurately assess the situation with staffing and name the main reason for conducting internships as further hiring interns for permanent work.
The tourism and hospitality sector is a prime example of this trend, with St. Petersburg State University actively integrating internships in leading travel agencies, hotel complexes, and tourist management companies. This sector benefits from strong university-industry cooperation and applied research, providing students with real-life problem-solving, marketing, and client communication experience early in their studies.
Internships in global business practices, multicultural leadership, and market dynamics are increasingly popular, mirroring the globalized economy. Opportunities abroad and cross-border internships help students gain broad industry insights. Students also intern in agencies and nonprofits focused on policy-making, governance, and public administration, gaining practical insight into international relations and diplomacy.
Although less detailed in the Russian context from these results, international programs and technical student exchanges (such as IAESTE) provide professional internships worldwide for technical specialties, enhancing employability and technical skills.
Both students and employers emphasize the importance of practical, real-world experience that connects academic theory with workplace challenges, enhancing students' professional competencies and readiness. Employers seek interns capable of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, with adaptability to dynamic industry demands, especially in sectors like tourism and tech.
Students prioritize internships offering meaningful assignments, opportunities for skill development (including in technical software and research methodologies), and exposure to professional networks. Paid internships and support (e.g., scholarships or stipends) are also attractive factors.
In summary, Russian university students most frequently find internships in tourism, business, public administration, and technical fields, with a growing emphasis on international exposure and applied skills. Practical experience, professional development opportunities, and industry collaboration remain critical factors driving internship participation and success for both students and employers.
For employers, the opportunity to learn on the job is the most important factor in creating comfortable internship conditions. Only 28% of employers prioritize offering paid internships, which may contribute to the decreasing proportion of companies offering internships to students each year, from 82% in 2021 to an expected 45% by 2025. Insurance companies and law firms organize less frequent internships, but this trend may change as the importance of internships in fostering real-world experience and career readiness becomes more widely recognized.
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