Undergraduate Internships, Degree Completion, and the Matthew Effect.
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| Title: | Undergraduate Internships, Degree Completion, and the Matthew Effect. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Neylon, Samuel1 sneylon@gradcenter.cuny.edu, Attewell, Paul1 |
| Source: | Journal of Postsecondary Student Success. Winter2026, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p111-134. 24p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Internship programs, *Education & training services industry, *Graduation (Education), *Higher education, *Educational outcomes, Matthew effect, Social marginality |
| Abstract: | Internships—short-term placements where students work while enrolled in college—are widespread among American undergraduates. However, researchers disagree whether internships are valuable forms of skill acquisition or conversely offer false promises and are exploitative. This paper evaluates a large multi-campus internship program with a paid community service focus, examining academic spillovers such as degree completion. We find positive academic spillovers across students, but also observe a "Matthew Effect:" The largest benefits occur for academically and socioeconomically marginalized undergraduates, those who are less likely to undertake an internship. The current tendency to use internships as a reward for the academically deserving therefore contrasts with an efficiency perspective that would target those who gain the largest benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Postsecondary Student Success is the property of Florida State University, Center for Postsecondary Success and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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