A growing number of college students are facing career uncertainty as federal internships are abruptly canceled. This sudden disruption forces students to rethink their plans, affecting their career goals, financial stability, and future job prospects.
Morgan Standley, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and a current master’s student in public affairs at Indiana University, had landed what she thought was a life-changing internship with the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.
Excited for the opportunity, she picked up her apartment keys and prepared to start. Then, just hours later, she received an email that shattered her plans—her internship had been rescinded.
“I thought it was a scam. I couldn’t believe they could just take it back,” Standley recalled.
Her internship was canceled due to a federal hiring freeze under a new executive order. She is not alone. Many students across the country now find themselves in similar predicaments, forced to navigate the uncertainty of a career path suddenly thrown off course.
Losing an internship isn’t just an inconvenience—it can have lasting consequences. These cancellations leave students facing several major challenges:
- Lost Income: Many students depend on paid internships to support themselves.
- Career Delays: An internship can be a stepping stone to a full-time job, and losing that opportunity can set students back.
- Housing and Relocation Problems: Some had already moved to new cities or signed leases before learning their internships had been revoked.
A Widespread Crisis Across Education Levels
The impact isn’t limited to undergraduates. Graduate students, law students, and even PhD candidates who rely on internships for practical experience and professional networking are feeling the effects.
“Internships aren’t just for undergrads,” one affected student explained. “Many of us are experienced professionals trying to transition into government roles. This was supposed to be a game-changer for my career.”
While the cancellations create immediate setbacks, there are ways for students to pivot and find alternative opportunities:
- Check with Your University: Schools may offer internship credits, alternative placements, or emergency financial assistance.
- Look for Other Government Roles: Some agencies may still have openings, even with the hiring freeze.
- Consider Private Sector Internships: Companies and non-government organizations often provide similar experience.
- Expand Your Network: Use LinkedIn, career fairs, and alumni connections to uncover new opportunities.
For students caught in this crisis, adaptability is key. While the loss of a federal internship is frustrating, new opportunities can emerge through persistence and proactive searching.
Staying informed about federal hiring changes, leveraging university resources, and exploring alternative paths can help students turn setbacks into stepping stones.