Handshake’s Internship Index 2025

Handshake’s annual report provides insights on the latest trends in the internship landscape.

Key takeaways from the 2025 report:

• Competition for internships increased: Internship postings on Handshake declined by 15% nationally over the past two years (January 2023 – January 2025). The percentage of undergraduate students that applied to an internship in Handshake increased from 34% (Class of 2023) to 41 (Class of 2025).

• Hiring timelines vary by industry: Peak months for internship recruiting on Handshake are September and January, with many smaller employers recruiting into spring.

• Compensation matters: The majority of internships posted on Handshake in 2025 were paid.

• Shaping career goals: 72% of students seek internships to help them figure out what types of jobs they will pursue.