Securing an internship has become a steeper challenge in 2025, with competition intensifying to almost twice the level seen in 2024, according to a new report. A study released this week by career platform Handshake highlights a dramatic uptick in applications, driven by heightened demand among students and recent graduates eager to gain a foothold in a tightening job market.
The report, which analyzed data from millions of users on its platform, found that the average number of applications per internship posting has soared by 92% compared to the previous year. This spike reflects both a growing pool of applicants and a relatively stagnant number of available opportunities. Industries like technology, finance, and marketing—long considered hotbeds for internship placements—saw some of the sharpest increases in competition, with tech postings alone drawing nearly 2.5 times more applications per slot than in 2024.
Experts attribute this surge to several factors. Economic uncertainty has pushed more students to prioritize internships as a critical stepping stone to full-time employment, while companies, cautious about overextending budgets, have scaled back the number of openings. “Students are feeling the pressure to stand out earlier in their careers,” said Christine Cruzvergara, Handshake’s chief education strategy officer. “An internship isn’t just a summer gig anymore—it’s a make-or-break moment for many.”
The data also revealed a shift in applicant behavior. Candidates are casting wider nets, applying to an average of 25 positions each, up from 15 the year prior. This “spray-and-pray” approach, as one career coach described it, has flooded employers with resumes, making it harder for even top-tier candidates to break through the noise. Meanwhile, remote and hybrid internship postings, though still popular, have declined by 10% since last year, further concentrating applicants into fewer roles.
For students, the stakes feel higher than ever. “It’s brutal out there,” said Priya Patel, a junior at UC Berkeley studying computer science. “I applied to over 30 internships last month and only got two interviews.” Her experience mirrors a broader trend: despite the flood of applications, response rates from employers have dipped, leaving many candidates in limbo.
The report suggests that applicants adapt by tailoring their materials more strategically and leveraging networking to cut through the clutter. Companies, too, may need to rethink hiring processes to identify talent in an increasingly crowded field. As the internship season heats up, one thing is clear: landing that coveted spot in 2025 will take more grit—and a bit of luck—than ever before.