For Generation Z navigating a world of blurred career paths, internships are proving pivotal. Rather than being mere resume fillers, they’re becoming directional markers - helping young aspirants refine what they want, and what they don’t.

In India, colleges now often make internships compulsory to embed practical learning into the academic journey. Internships expose students to deadlines, industry dynamics, collaborative hierarchies, and the accountability often missing in classroom projects. This exposure helps Gen Z test their aptitudes, validate interests, and adjust metadata notions of what “work” should feel like.

Data backs this shift. Deloitte reports that 94% of Gen Z in India believe on-the-job learning is essential for career growth. Additionally, a survey shows 8 in 10 young professionals place higher importance on mentorship and clear growth pathways than on salary alone. 

However, challenges remain. Many internships still rely on routine or clerical tasks with little learning depth. To truly guide career clarity, internship programs need structured outcomes, mentor guidance, and alignment with industry trends. When done right, an internship does more than build skills—it gives direction.