Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend of first-year university students seeking internships earlier than before, driven by a desire to gain practical experience and a perceived disconnect between academic learning and job market requirements [4][14]. Group 1: Early Internship Trends - An increasing number of first-year students are applying for internships right after starting university, with some believing that early experience will give them an advantage over peers [5][13]. - According to a report by Zhaopin, 78.4% of graduates have had at least one internship experience, up from 72.5% the previous year, with nearly 70% of those with internship experience starting in their first year [13][14]. Group 2: Student Perspectives - Students like Lu Yaqi and Li Tong express dissatisfaction with the relevance of their academic courses, prompting them to seek internships to better understand their chosen fields and gain practical skills [15][17]. - Li Tong completed five internships during her first year, which she views as essential for enhancing her employability and gaining real-world experience [17][18]. Group 3: Disconnect Between Education and Employment - Many students feel that university education is increasingly disconnected from the skills needed in the job market, leading them to pursue internships to fill this gap [24][28]. - The article highlights that outdated teaching materials and methods in universities contribute to this disconnect, with over 22% of textbooks in use being more than ten years old [28]. Group 4: Challenges Faced by Interns - First-year interns often find themselves performing basic tasks and feeling like outsiders in the workplace, as they are not fully integrated into the professional environment [44][49]. - The experience of early interns can lead to disillusionment, as they may not find the work fulfilling or aligned with their career aspirations [52][53].

Group 1 - The starting line for internships is being moved earlier, with more freshmen applying for internships right at the beginning of their college journey [1][5][4] - A survey by Zhaopin shows that 78.4% of graduates have had at least one internship experience, an increase from 72.5% the previous year [4][5] - Many students feel that their college education does not adequately prepare them for the job market, leading them to seek internships earlier [6][11][15] Group 2 - The demand for internships has increased, with companies offering opportunities to students who are eager to gain practical experience [7][8] - Students are increasingly aware of the disconnect between academic learning and job market requirements, prompting them to pursue internships to build relevant skills [12][15] - The experience gained from internships is becoming a critical factor in securing job offers, as employers prioritize candidates with practical experience [18][20] Group 3 - Early internships can lead to a sense of disillusionment among students, as they may find themselves performing repetitive tasks that do not align with their career aspirations [25][26] - The pressure to become "useful" in the workplace can overshadow the value of a well-rounded education, leading to a loss of interest in traditional learning [25][26] - Students who engage in internships often navigate two conflicting value systems: being seen as "useful" in the workplace versus being recognized as "valuable" in an academic setting [20][25]