Understanding the Typical Internship Hiring Timeline: A Guide for Parents

Timing is everything when it comes to securing a summer internship or that first job after college. Many students mistakenly believe they can start their search in March for summer positions, but in reality, over 66% of employers are already hiring for these roles between September and November. Why the early start? The hiring process typically takes 3-6 months from the time your student starts applying to when they receive an offer. Unlike the instant communication we're accustomed to, the hiring process is more prolonged—applications stay open for several weeks, followed by multiple rounds of interviews. By the time an offer is extended and accepted, several months may have passed. Encourage your student to apply early and to multiple positions, as even internship pools are highly competitive, with some positions attracting over a hundred applications nationwide.

Students often share that their biggest stressor is feeling overwhelmed in the process. Having regular conversations about your student’s interests—whether it's specific industries, populations, or career fields—can help them start identifying potential career paths early. The sooner they start thinking about their goals, the more prepared they will be when they start to navigate this huge chapter of their lives. 

Fall, as the most popular recruiting season, also brings our biggest career fairs. Encourage your student to mark these dates on their calendar, research the attending employers on Handshake, and prepare thoroughly. Employers consistently tell us that preparedness is what matters most when they meet our students. To support this, the Center for Career and Professional Development offers networking practice days and appointments to help students build confidence.

We never hear students say they engaged with the Center for Career and Professional Development too early; instead, they often wish they had started sooner. We are here to help your student succeed—encourage them to take that first step. 

The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is dedicated to supporting and empowering North Central students in their exploration, preparation, and pursuit of their chosen career journey. We offer many tools, resources, and guidance to students via our online on-demand resources, drop-in center, one-on-one appointments, workshops, and career-related events. We value being students’ “GPS” in their career journey by guiding them through the various steps of career and professional development. We are equipped to connect with students about a variety of topics, especially the following:

• Career exploration
• Resumes & Cover letters
• Interview preparation
• Job offer evaluation
• Internship & Job search
• Graduate school planning