The program works so well because each year it can deliver students who have the "Penn State Washington Program seal of approval", so to speak. To an internship sponsor, the value proposition is simple: "Liked last year's intern? Well here's another."
It's definitely good that a site like InternMatch exists, but I think the best way for students to land a competitive internship is through some sort of social validation. The Penn State Washington Program provided this validation to students who otherwise might not have any connections in D.C.
Perhaps there is some business opportunity here: provide social validation for potential interns just like the Washington Program, but at scale (think Monster.com vs. TheLadders). Or maybe this is something best left to universities and their alumni associations.
There are a lot of tools we can provide to create this same effect for our interns: from coaching them on the importance of getting a TA referral, to making it easy for them to include a Github profile if they are a tech student. We have talked to a number of startups who say they read every application from interns who attach a Github profile because this shows a deeper level of interest in the field than the average student.
I like your point and we will keep innovating around this idea.
There are a number of other ways we can and will go to make sure we can help both sides determine high value matches, and feel confident with their choices in interns.
A college program has few qualms rejecting someone. After conducting an interview, and reviewing writing samples and a resume, a college program will form a subjective opinion of the applicant. If the applicant garners a negative opinion s/he will be rejected, and the college program has no problem doing this.
On the other hand, InternMatch could have real trouble telling someone, "no we won't vouch for you"--it would be like telling a customer to leave the store.
Also, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to attack you or your biz model at all--just offering my POV. Best of luck and congrats on the funding.
Plus, it's just as important for companies to provide killer internships (to get the best students, year after year) as it is for students to perform.
It's an ideal way to recruit, and find great companies, and a space ripe for innovation and investment.
Very excited to see what the team comes up with (and yes, I'm a fan and advisor -- my enthusiasm runs deep, and is very genuine)
Yes, perhaps YOU didn't get that job. But YOU can probably get that internship. Which LEADS to that job.
Sites such as InternMatch get that idea. They make this process easier for those of us who are searching. They seem to care about the search process and they keep it simple and personalized.
Keep up the good work InternMatch!
excellent job on the site and best of luck, continue the great work!
The position you are describing sounds great -- its paid, offers professional experience for someone interested in the field of research, the only question I would ask is if there is much interaction with you and other employees. If you added to the program a once a week coffee, where you or other experts in the office talked to the candidate for 30 minutes and offered context on how their work fit into a broader policy and research framework it would take the position to the next level and help you get superior candidates.