The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is polling its members monthly to track changes taking place surrounding higher education and the employer community that recruits new college graduates.

Summer internships for college students are undergoing major changes because of the Coronavirus pandemic. As of March 13, 90% of responding employers expected to maintain their internship programs without change; but by the last week in March, that number was down to 74%. By the start of April, just 35% reported that they are moving forward with on-site internships as planned.

However, 29% of responding employers report they will conduct their internship programs virtually.  35% will delay the start date. 15% said they would cut back on the number of interns taking part in the internship program, either virtually or on site.

Other findings from the April 3^rd employer survey include:

Revoking offers to full-time recruits and interns

• 64% are not revoking offers to full-time recruits and interns

• Another 25% are not revoking offers yet, but are considering it

Changes to summer 2020 internship programs 

• 35% are reducing length of internship by delaying start date
  

• 29% are moving interns to virtual program

• 20% are moving events online such as end of program presentations

• 15% are reducing the number of interns

Expectations for recruiting Class of 2021 

• 67% are planning to recruit at the same level as for the Class of 2020

• 13% are decreasing the number of recruits compared to Class of 2020

• 6% are increasing the number of recruits compared to Class of 2020

Expectations for attending career fairs in the fall

• 62% plan to attend on-campus and virtually

• 17% plan to attend on-campus only

• 5% plan to attend only virtually

Expectations for increasing virtual recruiting

• 42% Yes

• 53% not sure yet, still deciding

Additional ASE Resources
ASE has conducted two employer surveys regarding their response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
COVID-19 Employer Response Survey Results
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Results

We are now conducting a third survey to gather information on how employers are preparing for the return to work. Participate here.