From Intern to Full-time: How Relocation Support Builds Loyalty

You already know that internship programs are highly effective recruiting tools.

But did you know that when internship programs include relocation support, they convert interns into employees at measurably higher rates?

It’s true. According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), offering relocation benefits boosts intern conversion rates.

If your organization has an internship program, of course you want it to be as effective as possible. Here’s what you need to know about the NACE report—and how to build a relocation package interns can’t resist.
  

The Impact of Relocation on Intern Recruitment

It’s almost unanimous: 80% of employers surveyed say that—of all their entry-level recruiting strategies—internship programs deliver the best return on investment by far. 

The study also found that, the more benefits that employers provide to their interns—salary, social activities, paid holidays, etc.—the higher their conversion rates.

Furthermore, relocation benefits—especially those that include some form of housing assistance—are particularly compelling on their own. 

According to NACE, nearly 55% of survey respondents provide relocation assistance to their interns. Collectively, they convert an average of 53% of their interns into permanent hires—compared to a 50% conversion rate for those that do not. 

For employers facing a talent shortage, those points can quickly add up.

Relocation Benefits = A Bigger, Better Applicant Pool

Okay, but why do relocation benefits boost intern conversion? Several reasons. For one thing, they create a larger pool of applicants, by removing financial barriers for long-distance students who might not otherwise apply.

For another, according to employers, that applicant pool isn’t just bigger, but more talented and diverse. Consider this: employers who provide relocation benefits make job offers to 68.4% of their interns—a full 7% points higher than those that don’t. They’re happier with the quality of their work. 

And of course: offering relocation assistance demonstrates that employers are willing to treat their people well, which may make them more likely to accept a job offer.

The Biggest Hurdle: Intern Housing

When it comes to relocation, employers and interns share one common challenge: finding safe, affordable intern housing that’s comfortable and convenient to the workplace.

In our experience, most employers don’t have the time and resources to run housing interference for each and every intern: arranging rentals, handling day-to-day issues, and fielding complaints.

But left to their own devices, many interns don’t know where to start. They don’t know the area. They may not have experience securing housing on their own. If handed a stipend without support, they may be overwhelmed. Even worse, they may make a very poor choice.

Unfortunately, a bad housing arrangement can overshadow even the best internship experience, dashing any hope of future employment. 

But employers don’t need to take this risk. There’s an easy solution: find an experienced, affordable intern relocation partner who will provide your interns with resources to make smart housing decisions.