Must-Have Qualities to Land Internships in 2026

Emma Chin Lee | September 15, 2025

The hiring landscape for students has shifted. Companies no longer just want a polished resume or a strong GPA. They’re looking for something deeper. They want students who can step into a fast-moving environment, adapt quickly, and add value right away.

Through Forge, we’ve seen firsthand what skills make students stand out in the hiring process. Here’s what companies are saying they value most and how our programs prepare students to deliver.

1. Independence & Ownership

“[Our Forge interns] showed the highest propensity for autonomy and project ownership. They proved they were resourceful in their examples and invested in making sure teams worked collaboratively...Interns shouldn't just be blindly following a manager in their career.”

- Nicole Wiesenthal, Sr. Marketing Manager at Goodshuffle

See what one student learned (and built) during their Goodshuffle internship here.

Companies want students who can take initiative, build processes, and advocate for themselves. At Forge, students don’t just complete assignments. They manage real projects, communicate progress, and learn how to navigate blockers with confidence.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration

“[Our Forge intern] was the strongest combination of verbal and technical skills that we encountered in our interview process. We felt we could rely on him for both back office and data functions, as well as direct communication with clients.”

- Joe Boxley, Senior Analyst at SupplyTrust Technologies

Read SupplyTrust Technologies’ post highlighting our student’s background here.

Internships are no longer about sitting in one lane. Employers expect students to work across teams and balance priorities. Forge’s project-based learning simulates this by having students work with diverse peers, so they graduate ready to collaborate in any environment.

3. Adaptability & Curiosity

“[Our Forge intern] was resourceful, seeking knowledge and advice when we were available to help, and figuring things out on his own when we were too busy. He had not worked on a real product or a large existing codebase before, but adapted to that environment very quickly.”

- Carter Hall, Senior Software Engineer at Welld Health

The workplace moves fast. Students who can quickly adapt, ask smart questions, and dive into new areas are the ones who stand out. Forge programs push students into unfamiliar challenges whether that’s learning a new tool, pivoting on a project, or problem-solving in real time.

4. Strong Communication & Cultural Fit

“[Our Forge intern] showed outstanding technical and interpersonal skills that immediately impressed our team. She demonstrated an excellent cultural fit with our company values and work environment. Her portfolio and interview responses showed exceptional promise, and she came with strong recommendations that proved to be absolutely accurate.”

- Brian Kane, Engineering Manager at Sourcepoint

Employers want students who can communicate clearly, fit into their culture, and represent the company well. At Forge, students practice client-facing presentations, feedback sessions, and teamwork dynamics, which help them grow both technically and interpersonally.

5. Work Ethic & Professionalism

“[Our Forge intern] was always willing to participate in work and take on new tasks, even when it was exhausting. It was a pleasure working with him.”

- Jonathan Price, Executive Director at Squared Network

At the end of the day, companies are looking for students who show up, work hard, and add value. Forge emphasizes professionalism in every program. From deadlines to team dynamics, so students enter internships ready to deliver.

Why This Matters

The takeaway? Companies aren’t just hiring for skills, they’re hiring for mindset. They want students who are proactive, adaptable, communicative, and ready to take ownership.

That’s exactly what Forge provides. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world experience, students develop the qualities employers say make all the difference.

So when you walk into that interview or first day, you carry the confidence to contribute in ways employers notice and value.