Internships are a great way to jumpstart your career and gain the experience employers often seek. However, the competition for internship positions has increased in recent years. According to the Handshake Internships Index 2025, internship postings on Handshake declined by more than 15% between January 2023 and January 2025, while internship applications surged. 

If you want to take the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, this article is for you. As internship positions decrease, it's good to be informed about the current market trends and adapt your approach to stand out.

Current trends in internship applications

Data shows that the internship market is constantly evolving. Internship postings have steadily decreased, yet the number of applications continues to rise.

In September 2024, the Business–Higher Education Forum reported that 8.2 million students were interested in internships, but 4.6 million could not participate. This report highlights the increasing competition for limited spots.

While this may seem daunting, it's important to remember that the internship market is unpredictable and continuously changing. The rise of remote internships has opened up opportunities in all fields, with listings on Handshake increasing by 45% in the 2023–24 academic year.

With fewer in-person internships available, remote positions allow you to gain experience and develop skills from anywhere in the world. This shift in the internship landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for you to gain valuable work experience.

Most competitive internship fields

Some fields consistently see more applicants due to growing industry demand:

Technology

Internships in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity are in high demand. According to Handshake's 2025 Internships Index, technology internships received an average of 273 applications per posting, an increase of 69% from the previous year.

With tech jobs expected to grow quickly, internships are becoming a necessary step for breaking into the industry.

Business

Finance, marketing, management, and other business-related majors often have the most competitive internships. The same report indicates that internships in financial services attracted an average of 192 applications per posting, an increase of 92% from the previous year.

These internships are typically valuable for securing full-time positions.

Engineering

Engineering internships are still in demand, particularly in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. According to the same report, engineering internships received an average of 109 applications per posting, up 76% from the previous year.

Students in these fields often face a competitive process, with internships offering valuable industry experience.

Growing opportunities for all majors

Liberal arts majors may face fewer traditional internships, however, if you're studying in this field, don't be discouraged. Many employers value soft skills like communication, creativity, and problem-solving—skills common among students in humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. While traditional internships in your field may be fewer, growing opportunities in non-traditional sectors are making it easier for you to gain experience.

Additionally, remote opportunities have become a valuable way for students across all fields to gain hands-on experience. These positions allow you to build your network, develop essential skills, and access opportunities that might have been otherwise out of reach, regardless of location. This shift makes it easier for you to gain experience and connect with employers worldwide.

What's next?

The internship landscape is evolving, meaning new opportunities await, no matter your field of study. While industries like technology and business, remain highly competitive, remote internships and cross-functional roles create new pathways for you to gain experience.

As industries continue to grow and adapt, it's essential to stay flexible and informed about market trends. By keeping up with the latest developments and strategically positioning yourself, you can secure internships that offer valuable experience and provide a direct path to full-time employment.