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Internships do make a difference, according to a new survey from the Association of Graduate Recruiters.

The association's graduate recruitment survey 2007 found that nearly half (46 per cent) of employers converted one in five volunteers into full time employees by the end of their internship.

Over 30 per cent gave between 21 per cent and 60 per cent of their interns a full time job.

And 75 per cent of employers said they take interns over the summer, with 22 per cent offering six-month programmes and 58 per cent offering 12-month placements.

As the survey results were published the Times newspaper offered students some advice for making the most of internships.

This included being realistic about what to expect from an employer, making the most of it, setting reasonable targets for success and not overstepping the mark in terms of an office hierarchy.

The paper also suggested being enthusiastic, making friends, showing initiative, asking questions and trying to evaluate the firm.

"Whether you're at the end of your second year as an undergraduate or completing the practical component of an MBA, summer internships are a key part of gaining experience - and perhaps even a job," the Times explained.

Once finished, it is also important to stay in touch with the employer, the Times added.

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