In today’s hyper-competitive job markets, a growing number of students are pursuing internship opportunities, as most companies prefer candidates with work experience. Internships offer several benefits, including providing an excellent idea of the reality of working conditions, aiding in developing the required skills, applying theoretical knowledge to practical applications, building a professional network, connecting with other professionals, and boosting confidence (Vocal et al., 2023). While most individuals seek internships for experience and benefits, there is a stronger underlying psychological factor behind this trend: peer pressure.
Peer pressure is defined as the compulsion when individuals influence others to do things they may not otherwise be willing to do (Hartney, 2024). Students who graduate from universities and colleges face a heightened amount of peer pressure, as this emerging phase of adulthood is marked by identity formation, social comparison, and competition (Chauhan & Singh, 2025). This peer pressure applies to the current job trend, as internships, once considered optional, are now seen as almost mandatory stepping stones before obtaining a full-time job. They are also associated with status symbols. Many young people are guided in these career matters by their peers.
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The Psychology behind Peer Pressure
1. Conformity Bias:
Conformity bias is a common cognitive tendency where individuals shift their beliefs, opinions, and attitudes to fit in with a certain group. Most of the time, conformity bias happens without conscious awareness of this shift in perspective. To feel a sense of validation and belonging within the group, individuals put their peers’ opinions ahead of their own (Nikolopoulou, 2023). In the context of internships, students may ignore concerns about the exploitative conditions of certain internships simply because their peers are applying, making such internship opportunities seem necessary. Conformity bias is particularly strong in a group setting where the majority of members support a specific internship, followed by compelling individuals to join without critically evaluating the opportunity.
2. Normative Social Influence:
Normative social influence is when individuals are consciously aware of their judgment and choose to conform to the peers’ opinions, just to be accepted by a group (Study.com, 2025). Students often feel compelled to secure roles, even costly internships, simply because their peers are doing so. Refusing to follow the same path can create a fear of exclusion or being perceived as lazy or unambitious.
3. Vulnerability Due to Low Confidence or Being New in a Group
Being vulnerable is a common occurrence when individuals lack confidence or join a new group where the atmosphere is more academically or professionally competitive. These individuals may be unsure of their goals or path and may simply follow their peers’ decisions (Saxena & Murugesan, 2025). In the case of internships, they might apply simply because others are choosing to. These individuals are more prone to accept exploitative internship roles just to “keep up” with others.
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4. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
FOMO plays a strong psychological role in peer pressure. Nowadays, fear of missing out is a big issue for many individuals. The failure to be in the latest trends and the fear of being excluded can really affect the sense of confidence and self-esteem (Scott, 2021). It can certainly develop feelings of anxiety and a sense of urgency to stay up to date when you observe your peers communicating over their internships or updating their LinkedIn profiles. Some might apply for internships just to avoid feeling left out, but over time, that can lead to emotional stress and a vicious cycle of competition fueled by insecurity instead of genuine interest.
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5. Social Identity Theory:
Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, states that individuals’ self-concept and identity stem from the social groups they belong to (Leaper, 2021). Internships are similar to badges of honour these days, particularly in school or work circles. Getting into well-known internships shows a desire to fit in with a group of achievers. This pressure to build a career image, based on what others think, pushes a lot of people to chase internships not just for the learning experience, but to meet the identity standards of their peers.
While Peer pressure usually has a bad reputation, sometimes it can lead to positive outcomes (Heberle, 2016), especially when it comes to healthy advice regarding internships and career matters. Watching friends apply early, putting resumes together and even talking about career goals can really push others to step up and go after chances they might have otherwise missed. It helps create an environment where everyone is aiming high and cheering each other on to get that hands-on experience.
In many cases, peer pressure has helped individuals recognise and normalise paid internships as a standard expectation, urging institutions to offer fair compensation for valuing early career contributions. Such peer-to-peer inspiration not only prompts students to take action but also contributes to a broader career paradigm shift. With the increasing pressure by students to provide meaningful, paid experiences, the emphasis on paid internships becomes more prevalent as a basic sense of work experience. What began as peer pressure has, in many ways, facilitated the normalisation of more equitable approaches to internships.
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Normalisation of Pay-To-Intern Models
Over the past few years, it has become increasingly popular to assert that internships should be paid. Paid internships not only provide compensation for the time and effort of a student but also open opportunities for more individuals who are financially struggling. Paid internships also benefit both companies and the intern. For businesses, the ability to offer paid positions will increase the number of diverse, skilled and driven individuals, which can enhance productivity. The benefits for the interns include increased confidence, enhanced professional and work ethics, limited financial burdens or worries, thereby enabling them to concentrate on learning and experiencing instead of struggling to survive.
In this regard, peer pressure has definitely contributed to the normalisation of paid internships as the standard, supporting students in thinking that they deserve to get paid(India Today, 2024). Nevertheless, unpaid internships should also not be undermined. Fields like nonprofits, new businesses, or academic research may not provide a paid internship, but will offer a good learning experience and mentoring. These organisations are mostly transparent with communication, accountability and responsibility. They can be used as a stepping stone for candidates with a genuine interest in the sector.
In current job trends, pay-to-intern models also include candidates paying to secure an internship. Some programs often do this as compensation for mentoring the intern and providing them with more responsible and supervised tasks. However, such internship opportunities must be approached cautiously. They can take advantage of the aspirations of candidates in the name of opportunity without any legal bindings or transparency regarding the work.
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Conclusion
The internship culture is changing today, and students tend to be influenced by their peers when making decisions. This may at times help them achieve more, but it can also make them settle for less than what is expected of them. The effect of this has been the emergence of paid internships and a desire to make more even-handed practices. To fully comprehend this dynamic system, psychological mechanisms, including bias, social influence, vulnerability, etc., must be considered. With students navigating the complex pathways of entering the job market, institutions must ensure just and transparent internships. Such internship models can truly prepare budding job candidates to use their fullest potential without exploiting their ambition.
FAQs
1. Is peer pressure always negative?
Although peer pressure is often associated with negative motivations and intentions, including substance abuse and other forms of pressure, it can sometimes be a positive force. Such peer pressure can motivate individuals to reach to their fullest potential.
2. Why is peer pressure so strong, particularly during teenage years?
Adolescence is the phase in which the need for strong validation, sense of belonging and acceptance is strong. Additionally, this phase is also marked by a decline in parental influence. The desire to be accepted is what causes teens to be more vulnerable to peer pressure in their social groups.
3. What do paid interns usually do?
The work of a paid intern entirely depends on the specific job designation and the employer, but in most cases, the work will be aligned with the career interests of the intern. Research work, project-related work, assisting in assignments, or going to meetings can be part of some internships.
4. What are some ways to land a paid internship?
Getting a paid internship involves a significant amount of research in companies and job vacancies through online platforms such as LinkedIn and other websites, and university career services. Research the companies you are interested in, revise your resume and cover letter, and train for your interviews or next steps.
5. What are the benefits of working in a pay-to-intern program?
Despite the fees, pay-to-intern programs can be useful as sources of professional development, networking and gaining experience, particularly if the program is well structured and offers specialised training and access to resources.
Refereneces +
Chauhan, C., & Singh, S. (2025). Impact of peer pressure and peer support on risky, impulsive and self-destructive behaviour. International Journal of Applied Research, 11(5), 42–44. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/?year=2025&vol=11&issue=5&part=A&Arti cleId=12531
Hartney, E. (2024). What Is Peer Pressure? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what is-peer-pressure-22246
Heberle, M. (2016). What is Peer Pressure? – Definition & Explanation – Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-peer-pressure definition-lesson-quiz.html
India Today. (2024). Why paid internships matter? Know the importance of career growth. Indiatoday.In India Today. https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/news-detail/why-paid internships-matter-know-the-importance-for-career-growth
Leaper, C. (2021). Social Identity Theory – an overview. Sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/social-identity-theory
Nikolopoulou, K. (2023). What Is Conformity Bias? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/conformity-bias/
Saxena, K., & Murugesan, M. (2025). Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Career Decision-Making Among Pre-University Students in India. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.25215/1301.237
Scott, E. (2021). Do You Have FOMO? Here Is How to Cope. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664
Study.com. (2025). What is Normative Social Influence? | Normative Social Influence Example – Video | Study.com. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/video/normative social-influence-definition-example.html
Vocal, J. A., Mae, E., Millen, J., Ysabel, C., & Tupas, A. M. (2023, July 25). Effect Of Internship On Personal And Professional Development Of The Selected College Graduates. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24348.46726
