The Internship Edge

Exploring the 2025 Internship Report

Data from more than 330 student internships highlights rising wages, faster search timelines, and the measurable impact of UMSI’s integrated career model.

For many students at the University of Michigan School of Information, the summer isn't just a break—it’s a bridge. According to the latest data from the Career Development Office, 2025 was a landmark year for UMSI interns. Representing the experiences of more than 330 students who elected to receive academic credit, these outcomes highlight a significant trend: UMSI students aren't just finding jobs; they are outperforming the market in speed, compensation, and impact.

What makes the UMSI experience unique is the depth of this bridge. Joanna Kroll, Director of Career Development, notes that "the majority of our students engage in multiple internships throughout their degree. They aren't just checking a box; they are strategically building a portfolio of diverse experiences."

Internships are a critical link between classroom theory and industry practice. This year, more than 90% of students reported that their summer experience made them feel significantly better prepared for their post-graduation careers.

Despite a challenging global labor market, UMSI students continue to command a premium. The data tells a compelling story:

• Undergraduate BSI students earned an average of $30 per hour, outstripping the national undergraduate average by 25%

• MSI wages in the tech industry reached an impressive $42 per hour, 8% higher than the national average. 

• While national internship recruiting cycles have stretched to 6–7 months, the majority of UMSI students secured their roles in just 3–4 months.

When asked what drives this high market value, Kroll points to the "UMSI edge"—a blend of technical fluency, human-centered design, and durable skills like complex problem-solving. This isn't accidental, it’s built into the curriculum.

"Career education at UMSI is a core academic pillar, not an 'add-on,'" Kroll says. By integrating professional experiences and career readiness into the curriculum, career planning is prioritized for students by giving them focused time and constant access to CDO experts and peer coaches. This, combined with project-based courses that provide applied experience, ensures that students hit the ground running. Employers agree: 100% reported that their UMSI intern brought tangible value to their organizations, and 98% stated they would hire a UMSI intern again. 

One of the most significant shifts this year was the rise of AI tools in the application process. While students are sending out more applications than ever, the conversion rate sits at just 7–10%. Forbes’s, Associate Director of Career Development and Lead Manager of the Internship Program, message to those feeling application fatigue is clear: Shift from volume to value. "AI is a powerful tool for efficiency, but it shouldn't replace your strategy," she advises. The most effective way to rise above the noise remains the UMSI hallmark: Networking. With the help of mentorship programs like UMSI Mentor Match and Alumni Career Connections, high-touch, personal outreach remains the most successful path to an offer.

While wages are rising in tech and finance, many students use their skills for societal impact. The UMSI Internship Grant plays a crucial role here, supporting students in typically underpaid or unpaid roles in nonprofits, libraries, and health systems. "These grants allow students to choose purpose over a paycheck," says Kroll. "They bring UMSI’s sociotechnical expertise to the organizations that need it most, regardless of budget constraints."

For students beginning their search, Forbes offers simple but powerful guidance: “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. The most successful candidates aren’t the ones with the flawless resume—they’re the ones who stay resilient, set incremental goals, and aren’t afraid to hit submit. You have an entire CDO team behind you. You’ve got this.”