Internships in 2024 are witnessing a dramatic transformation, with a sharp rise in both the number of opportunities and the financial compensation offered. The average stipend across various industries has surged to Rs 8,000 per month, making internships more financially viable for students. However, the standout development this year is the emergence of internships offering substantial stipends, with some positions reaching up to Rs 1 lakh per month. This significant rise in stipends reflects a broader trend of companies valuing the contribution of interns more than ever before.
As internship opportunities grow, so do the prospects for students looking to gain professional experience. With stipends increasing, coupled with pre-placement offers (PPOs) becoming more common, internships are rapidly evolving into a critical gateway to full-time employment. The landscape for internships in 2024 is not only more financially rewarding but also more diverse and flexible, paving the way for a new era of career-building opportunities for students across India.
With these exciting changes, let’s take a closer look at the major trends shaping internships in 2024. From growing opportunities and emerging fields to the increasing flexibility and remote work options, the internship landscape has evolved to meet the needs of both students and employers alike.
Growth in Internship Opportunities: A 25% Surge
Internships in India have seen a remarkable 25% increase in 2024, compared to the previous year, according to the Internshala report. This surge marks a significant expansion in the internship market, indicating that companies are investing more in the early-stage talent pool. Over the past five years, internship opportunities have witnessed an impressive 135% growth, showcasing the growing importance of internships in shaping the career paths of students.
The increase in internship availability suggests a shift towards recognising the value of practical experience, with many organisations leveraging internships to groom potential future employees. This growth is especially noteworthy given the changing job market dynamics, which increasingly favour practical experience alongside academic credentials.
Dominant Fields: Management, Engineering, and Media Lead the Way
The report highlights the fields with the most internship opportunities. Management takes the lead, accounting for 42% of all internships in 2024. Internships in this field cover a broad range of roles, including marketing, sales, finance, human resources, operations, and digital marketing. The demand for management interns aligns with the growing need for strategic and operational expertise in businesses across sectors.
Following management, Engineering represents 20% of internship opportunities, with roles spanning software development, web development, product management, and various branches of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The demand for engineers in various domains continues to rise, reflecting the ongoing technological and infrastructural developments in the country.
Media comes in third, accounting for 13% of internships, offering roles in journalism, public relations, creative writing, videography, and content creation. Internships in media provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in dynamic and fast-evolving industries.
Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and blockchain are expected to gain prominence in the coming years, with internships in these areas likely to see significant growth in 2025.
Inclusivity and Remote Work: Shaping the Modern Internship Landscape
2024 witnessed a significant shift in the inclusivity of internship opportunities. Around 66% of employers were open to hiring women returning to work, making the internship landscape more accessible to a diverse range of candidates. This inclusivity trend is part of a broader move towards diversity and equal opportunities within the workplace.
Moreover, the growing demand for remote internships is evident, with 49% of opportunities in 2024 offered in a work-from-home format. The hybrid work model is becoming increasingly popular, allowing both employers and interns to enjoy flexibility. This shift to remote work has made internships more accessible to students across the country, including those from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, who previously might have had limited access to top-tier internship roles.
Skills in Demand: What Employers are Looking For
Internshala’s report also provides insights into the skills employers are seeking in interns. For internships in management, proficiency in tools such as MS-Excel, Digital Marketing, SEO, and Social Media Marketing is highly sought after. Additionally, skills in Sales, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing are also in demand, particularly in the fast-paced, ever-changing business world.
In the engineering domain, technical skills such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, ReactJS, Node.js, and AutoCAD are essential. Interns with experience in Machine Learning, Android, and C++ Programming are particularly attractive to employers looking for tech-savvy candidates in cutting-edge fields.
The media sector values creative abilities, with skills in Creative Writing, Editing, Blogging, and Animation being most sought after. In design, proficiency in software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Video Editing is a must for aspiring interns.
The increasing demand for technical skills in engineering and design reflects the growing role of technology in shaping modern industries, while creative and communication skills remain vital in fields like management and media.
Internship Duration and Flexibility: Adapting to Student Schedules
Internships in 2024 displayed greater flexibility in terms of duration. The average length of an internship was 3.7 months, with internships ranging from one month to six months. This flexibility allows students to align their internship schedules with academic commitments, making internships more accessible to a wider pool of candidates.
Some internships were also offered in hybrid formats or as part-time opportunities, further catering to the needs of students who need to balance their academic workload with professional experience. The availability of shorter internships or those that offer part-time or flexible hours provides students with the chance to gain valuable work experience without compromising their education.
A Dynamic Internship Landscape
The Internshala Report 2024 paints a picture of a rapidly evolving internship market. With a significant rise in internship opportunities, growing stipends, and an increasing shift towards inclusivity and remote work, the landscape for students seeking internships has never been more promising. Moreover, the demand for technical skills, creative abilities, and business acumen continues to shape the types of roles available.
As we move into 2025, it is clear that internships will continue to play an essential role in bridging the gap between education and employment, offering students valuable exposure to their chosen fields and organisations access to fresh, talented individuals ready to contribute. The trends of 2024 suggest that internships will be an increasingly diverse, flexible, and lucrative avenue for both students and employers alike.
