A survey from Milkround found that many saw internships as a key step to scaling the career ladder, with more than half (55%) believing that undertaking one would help them secure their job of choice.
“This is clearly an area that young people are worried about, and there is a risk that graduates might be put off applying for a job if they feel they’re up against people who will work for free," she told HR magazine. "But there’s been a lot of stigma surrounding unpaid internships, meaning we’re seeing fewer companies offering them and more recognising that it’s not the fairest way of hiring people.”
Additionally, the survey found that Gen Z graduates are ambitious and have high expectations, with 65% believing they will work in their career of choice.
Brazier said she was encouraged by growth in employers offering financial support to those entering the workplace, and that it is important for HR to create awareness about the support available.
Brazier added that there are other routes into work: “We can understand why young people find internships important, with some studies showing that more than half lead to jobs. But there are other ways young people can impress employers such as through starting their own websites or blogs, or through part-time work.”
Employers also have a duty to make sure they are not placing unreasonable expectations on entry-level candidates, she said.
“I think that some organisations should definitely look into lowering their requirements. I think one of the most important things is to not ask for experience that you are not able to offer. Employers should look into training people going into entry-level roles, rather than setting unrealistic expectations of what they can do.”
Milkround surveyed 5,709 graduates between April and May 2018.
