A recent survey conducted by CIEE (Centro de Integração Empresa-Escola) and reported by Folha highlights a significant concern among HR professionals regarding the high turnover of interns in companies. According to the survey, 26% of the 260 HR professionals interviewed cite this intern turnover as the biggest challenge in managing internship programs, surpassing concerns about unappealing scholarship amounts (17%) and difficulties in communicating organizational culture (12%). This indicates a pressing issue within the recruitment and retention strategies in Brazilian companies.

The survey, conducted between July 1 and October 14, 2025, through a digital questionnaire, reveals that the high turnover rate is linked to the perception that the conditions provided to interns are not attractive enough. Notably, 63% of respondents agree, at least partially, that many interns resign from their positions because the offers fail to meet their expectations. This suggests that companies may need to reassess their internship programs to ensure they are competitive and appealing to prospective interns.

The implications of these findings suggest that the success of internship programs may hinge on how companies approach intern retention strategies. Continuous high turnover could lead to lost talent and additional costs associated with recruiting new interns. Therefore, addressing the reasons behind intern dissatisfaction and optimizing the internship experience could be key steps for companies looking to improve their talent acquisition and retention in the long run.