Internships after graduation: A waiting room for a real job or a launch pad?

Traineeships and apprenticeships may be the way to go given the cautious job market.

- Musa Fazal

More fresh graduates in Singapore are considering internships over full-time jobs, not because they lack ambition but because they're navigating a job market that's more complex and cautious.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and geopolitics are major disruptors. AI is reshaping the career ladder, putting entry-level roles at risk, while geopolitical tensions have led businesses to freeze hiring and delay investments.

This trend is not unique to Singapore. A report by online resume builder Kickresume revealed that almost six in 10 graduates are still looking for their first job after graduation, up from almost three in 10 just a year ago.

A recent article in The Business Times shone the spotlight on how economic uncertainty has made some employers wary of hiring entry-level staff. Some firms said they were leaning towards experienced professionals, leaving graduates to find creative ways to gain traction.

Internships have emerged as a strategic move: a way to stay engaged, build skills and signal drive while waiting for permanent job opportunities to surface.

One business leader we spoke to noted: "Internships are now a way for fresh grads to differentiate themselves with hands-on experience, especially when full-time roles are scarce."

But, for some, this shift has raised questions. Are internships truly useful? Or are they just a waiting room for real jobs?

LESSONS FROM THE PANDEMIC PLAYBOOK

The reality is mixed. In sectors like finance and technology, and among multinational corporations, internships are often well-structured and used as pipelines for future hires.

These firms view internships as extended interviews — a chance to assess cultural fit, soft skills and long-term potential.