Best Internships for 2011 College Graduates

Though the American economy shows the first tentative signs of recovery, many 2011 college graduates will need to work in internships before they land their first permanent job, So, what are the best companies for 2011 college graduates to target as they look to land these coveted internships?

Southwestern

The massive door-to-door sales company makes student internships a central part of its business plan. As a result, the company reports that it will hire over 3,000 newly-minted 2011 college graduates for its paid internship programs.

The company sells everything from books to food to life insurance, offering recent college grads foot-in-the-door experience in a wide range of fields, many of which can help young job seekers build a more appealing employment history and robust resume.

General Electric

GE has hired well over 2,000 young people for internships each year for the past five years, and that should be the case again for 2011 college graduates. The company has what it calls "leadership programs" in sales and marketing, financial management, human resources and information management. Importantly, past history has shown that over half of GE's interns eventually land full-time jobs with the company.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

The major accounting firm traditionally hires more than 2,000 interns each year and, like General Electric, offers full-time positions to more than half of all their interns. What sets the firm apart, however, is the fact that its paid interns make nearly $25 per hour, on average.

Ernst & Young

Another of the major accounting firms plans a sharp increase in 2011 college graduates it plans to bring aboard for internships. Ernst & Young hired 1,500 interns in 2010, but plans to employ over 1,750 this year - an increase of over 16%. A unique aspect of the firm's internship program is its annual International Intern Leadership Conference, held annually in Orlando. The event gives interns an opportunity to network and attend targeted educational sessions.

KPMG

Once again, one of the Big Four accounting firms makes the list of best internship opportunities for 2011 college graduates. KPMG plans to employ 1,800 interns in 2011, with openings in its audit, tax and advisory practices.

With the early signs of a recovering economy becoming evident, the strong internship hiring plans for the major accounting firms are further indications that 2011 college graduates could face a more accommodating hiring environment than their predecessors.

Enterprise Rent A Car

The car rental company annually hires more than 1,000 interns in 2011. Enterprise has openings at many major cities across the country. This provides an opportunity for college graduates who want a job close to home - or in some another city they prefer. Enterprise targets college graduates with degrees in business or marketing, and offers the kinds of tangible benefits that young professionals value most - stability, benefits, and a chance to gain management experience relatively quickly.