Sara Scafuro – Contributor

Rising competition, unpaid internships and what Bishop’s students can do to stand out.

For today’s university students, the phrase “entry-level job” has become incredibly misleading. Positions labeled as entry-level often ask for two to three years of experience, multiple internships and a skill set that matches that of a mid-career professional. As a result, many students are caught in what has become known as the internship gap: the growing disconnect between what employers expect and what students realistically have access to before graduation.

Image courtesy of Gabrielle Lalonde

This gap has grown in recent years. A competitive job market, layoffs in major industries and the normalization of unpaid or low-paid internships have made it harder than ever for students to get their foot in the door. Internships, once perceived as learning opportunities, are now treated as unofficial prerequisites for employment. For students who cannot afford to work for free, this creates an uneven playing field before careers even begin.

Unpaid internships are one of the most pressing contributors to this issue. While some organizations argue that unpaid roles offer “experience,” the reality is that many students simply cannot take them without sacrificing financial stability. Those who rely on summer jobs to pay tuition or living expenses are forced to choose between income and career development. Over time, this disproportionately benefits students with financial support, reinforcing inequality in access to professional opportunities.

Competition has also intensified. Employers now receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications for a single internship or entry-level role. With applicant-tracking systems filtering resumes before a human ever reads them, students are competing not only with their peers but also with algorithms. In this environment, strong grades alone are no longer enough to stand out.

For Bishop’s University students, this reality can feel intimidating. As a small liberal arts university, Bishop’s offers close-knit classes and strong faculty relationships but may not have the same built-in corporate pipelines as larger institutions. However, this does not mean Bishop’s students are at a disadvantage; it simply means the strategy needs to be different.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools students can use to bridge the internship gap. Building genuine relationships with professors, alumni, and guest speakers can often lead to opportunities that never appear on job boards. Informational interviews, coffee chats and alumni LinkedIn outreach may feel intimidating, but they are often what separate successful applicants from the rest.

Experience also does not have to come solely from formal internships. Part-time jobs, volunteer work, student clubs, freelance projects, athletics and campus leadership roles all develop transferable skills. Employers value communication, teamwork, problem-solving and initiative – qualities that Bishop’s students develop through involvement across campus. The key is learning how to frame these experiences effectively on a resume and in interviews.

Another way to stand out is by demonstrating initiative outside the classroom. Personal projects, certifications, online courses and independent research show employers that a student is proactive and motivated. In a market where many applicants have similar academic backgrounds, effort beyond coursework often makes the difference.

The internship gap is real, and it is frustrating. But it is not unbeatable. For Bishop’s students, success increasingly depends on adaptability, creativity and relationship-building rather than a perfect resume. While the job market may be tougher than ever, students who understand the system, and learn how to navigate it strategically can still carve out meaningful opportunities.

In a world where “entry-level” no longer means entry-level, standing out is no longer optional. It is essential.