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The Demand for Interns

Author

Listed:
  • Jaeger, David A.

    (University of St. Andrews)

  • Nunley, John M.

    (University of Wisconsin, La Crosse)

  • Seals Jr., R. Alan

    (Auburn University)

  • Wilbrandt, Eric J.

Abstract

We describe the demand for interns in the U.S. using ads from an internship-specific website. We find that internships are more likely to be paid when more closely associated with a specific occupation, when the local labor market has lower unemployment, and when the local and federal minimum wage are the same. A résumé audit study with more than 11,500 applications reveals that employers are more likely to respond positively when internship applicants have previous internship experience. Employers are also less likely to respond to applicants with black-sounding names and when the applicant is more distant from the firm.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaeger, David A. & Nunley, John M. & Seals Jr., R. Alan & Wilbrandt, Eric J., 2020. "The Demand for Interns," IZA Discussion Papers 12960, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12960
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nunley, John M. & Pugh, Adam & Romero, Nicholas & Seals, R. Alan, 2016. "College major, internship experience, and employment opportunities: Estimates from a résumé audit," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 37-46.
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    14. John M. Nunley & Adam Pugh & Nicholas Romero & R. Alan Seals, 2017. "The Effects of Unemployment and Underemployment on Employment Opportunities," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 70(3), pages 642-669, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ian Burn & Patrick Button & Luis Felipe Munguia Corella & David Neumark, 2019. "Older Workers Need Not Apply? Ageist Language in Job Ads and Age Discrimination in Hiring," NBER Working Papers 26552, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Jaeger, David A. & Nunley, John M. & Seals, R. Alan & Shandra, Carrie L. & Wilbrandt, Eric J., 2023. "The demand for interns," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 372-390.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    internships; training; audit study;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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