Applying for summer internships in 2026 when you are scheduled to graduate in May of that year is generally not recommended, primarily because most summer internships are designed for current students who will be returning to school after the internship concludes. As a new graduate, you’re typically expected to be seeking full-time, entry-level positions rather than internships.
Employers often prefer to offer internships to candidates who are still in school since they view these programs as an opportunity to evaluate potential future employees. Internships can often lead to full-time offers, but this is contingent upon the intern returning to school before entering the workforce full-time.
However, there can be exceptions. If an internship explicitly states that recent graduates are welcome to apply, or if the internship aligns perfectly with your career goals and bears the potential to provide significant value, it might still be worth considering. Otherwise, your focus should ideally be on applying for full-time roles that match your skill set and career aspirations, as these positions are more appropriate for someone who has completed their degree.
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