Summary of Key Points
This news article highlights the changes in the internship market since the launch of ChatGPT: a decrease in the supply of internship positions, increased competition, and ineffective job hunting methods by students using AI and one-click applications. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are now replacing large corporations as the main source of internship opportunities, while there is a growing demand for AI-related roles, but applications are highly concentrated. Employers place more emphasis on genuine communication skills rather than over-reliance on AI tools.
1. The “Cooling Down” of the Internship Market: Fewer Internships and Increased Competition
Since the emergence of ChatGPT in 2022, approximately 20% of companies have either reduced the number of internships they offer or eliminated them altogether, and this proportion is still rising. Although around 30% of companies plan to expand their internship programs, the number is significantly lower than before 2022. The reason for this reduction is straightforward: some companies believe that there will not be corresponding full-time entry-level positions in the future, so they no longer see internships as a means of talent development.
How intense is the competition? Since 2022, the number of applications received for each internship position has increased by three times. Some graduates submit 60-70 applications to only get 1-2 opportunities. Even junior students start applying for summer internships at the end of September, several months earlier than before.
2. Common Mistakes Made by Students in Job Hunting: Misuse of AI and Loss of Communication Skills
Many students make mistakes when looking for internships, such as using one-click applications on LinkedIn without writing targeted cover letters, or generating and editing resumes with the help of AI to pass AI-based screening processes, without truly expressing interest in the position or developing interpersonal communication skills. Career advisors suggest that students need to learn basic communication etiquette—since they are accustomed to online classes and using AI to write papers, they assume that the internship process will be just as seamless. These practices often result in missed opportunities; for example, one-click-generated resumes and cover letters lack uniqueness and fail to impress recruiters.
3. The Rise of SMEs: From Being Overlooked to a Source of Internship Opportunities
In the past, students competed fiercely to get internships at large companies, but the situation has changed. In 2022, large companies received eight times as many applications as small businesses; last year, this ratio had narrowed to 3:1. While large companies remain popular, SMEs have significantly increased their competitiveness.
An important advantage of interning at smaller companies is that there are “shortcuts” to getting hired: if you target a company that aligns with your interests and send a brief, sincere email to the recruiter or even an executive, your chances of success are higher. SMEs are becoming the primary source of internship opportunities.
4. AI as a Double-Edged Sword: Growing Demand but Concentrated Applications
On one hand, there is a growing demand for AI-related roles—about 10% of job descriptions now mention AI skills, and positions in product management, data analysis, and software engineering require these abilities. Highlighting your AI expertise can give you an advantage when applying. On the other hand, competition for AI positions is fierce: in 2025, the average number of applications for AI roles is expected to be 78, compared to only 32 for non-AI roles. However, responses for AI positions are faster; the proportion of applicants receiving a response within the first week has increased from 25% in 2022 to 44% last year, and 46% of applications are received within seven days of the position being posted.
It’s worth noting that employers prefer candidates who communicate without the help of AI; they value genuine expression and skills. Some companies hire interns with AI expertise in order to learn how to use the technology themselves, which can be a great opportunity.
5. Effective Job Hunting Strategies: Targeted Applications + Genuine Communication
Rather than blindly submitting applications or relying on AI, try these approaches:
- Identify small companies that match your interests and contact the executives or recruiters directly with a brief, sincere email (e.g., mentioning your interest in their business and expressing a desire to ask questions).
- When applying for AI-related roles, highlight your AI skills but don’t rely too heavily on AI-generated materials.
- Focus on developing interpersonal communication skills, such as learning basic workplace etiquette, and show genuine interest during interviews.
These strategies are more effective than a “wide-net” approach and are more likely to impress employers.