Job Ready: The Career Center’s Internship Program Gives Students A Competitive Edge

By UNC Asheville

October 8^th, 2025

The familiar saying – “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” – is a stark reality for many job-seekers, especially recent college graduates facing one of the most competitive job markets in our nation’s history.

According to a new national report, recent graduates are encountering the toughest entry-level labor market in five years. The market problem is compounded by narrowing hiring pathways and gaps in practical skills readiness, with just 30% of 2025 college graduates and 41% of 2024 graduates found entry-level jobs in their fields, while 48% felt unprepared to apply for such positions.

Candidates with real-world experience through internships have a leg up on the competition. That’s where the Career Center at UNC Asheville comes in.

“The program was created for students who may not have come to college with a lot of social and cultural capital in their background”

Launched in 2024, the University's innovative internship program has proven effective in helping a wide range of students, not only to land a job post-graduation but also to learn how to walk into any employment opportunity with confidence and a sense of belonging.

“The program was created for students who may not have come to college with a lot of social and cultural capital in their background,” says UNC Asheville’s Career Center Director Lisa Mann. “While there are students who have the connections and know-how to secure an internship, many others are worried about making mistakes in an interview or their lack of connections. Our program eases that worry with a very hands-on approach – through advocacy, networking, financial compensation, coaching, and interview preparation.”

“It’s unique in that it’s a matching program,” explains Mann. The Career Center doesn’t place students; the employers make hiring decisions. The Career Center works in partnership with a network of 50 businesses to match students with opportunities.

(L:R) Director of the Career Center Lisa Mann and Assoc Director for Career Education Lauren DeHaan

The student cohort learns about resumes and cover letters from a training workshop, and then they evaluate internship options together. Students decide where they want to apply, and Internship Program Manager Grace Champion lets the companies know that UNC Asheville students are applying and asks them to consider their applications.

Champion also asks every internship advisor to introduce their student interns to other people in the industry, not just people in the workplace, to help them build a real network. She also checks in with both the workplaces and students regularly. This helps guide students throughout the internship, letting them know about the employers’ expectations so they can meet them. It also lets businesses give feedback in real time. If there's a mismatch, the businesses know there are other great matches at the school, so this ongoing connection helps maintain trust in these relationships.

This kind of supportive coaching isn’t typical for internships. Traditionally, students have to find their own internships, and the Career Center provides them with some support in getting ready to apply. It’s very individual and requires more research, motivation, and confidence from the student.

“That advocacy has been really successful,” says Champion, as have their efforts in the business community. One student interested in biking had been actively pursuing an internship at Cane Creek Cycling Components without any success. He was able to apply for a role when Champion contacted the company and asked if they wanted to join the UNC Asheville Internship Program as a business partner. They did, and he got his internship.

This helps UNC Asheville build strong relationships with businesses in the region and, hopefully, one day, the state. “Employers have said they really like this program and the way it’s structured, and they like the support they get from us,” Mann says. They are looking to grow the program and would love to see more for-profit businesses join.

“We’ve had positive feedback from employers that students are a lot more prepared, more professional, and take the opportunity more seriously when they’re connected through the program,” Champion says.

Internship Program Manager Grace Champion

Many students face financial barriers when pursuing internships, which is why this program is designed to be paid. Interns working with for-profit private employers receive hourly wages from the company, while those placed at nonprofit organizations are supported through scholarships provided by the university. Compensation averages $15 per hour for approximately 100 hours of work. Most opportunities are based in Asheville, reflecting students’ preference to remain in the local community.

Each semester, up to 50 students secure a spot in the program with a simple email sign-up. Demand is high; the last round filled all 50 spots in just four minutes. On average, about 35 students go on to complete internships with one of the 50 participating businesses.

Any student, regardless of field of study, background, GPA, or prior internship experience, can participate. The only requirement is completion of 60 credit hours and a strong work ethic.

For more information about UNC Asheville's Internship program, visit unca.edu/career-center. If you are a business interested in becoming a partner with UNC Asheville, sign up to recruit with us on Handshake or email hirebulldogs@unca.edu to get connected.

UNC Asheville students attend the Fall Career and Internship Fair

Footnotes

October 8, 2025—UNC Asheville Communication & Marketing

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