Spring Break often conjures up images of college students on the beach and late night parties.  But for many college students, Spring Break is an opportunity to work full-time seeking a summer internship.

CollegeGrad.com, the #1 Entry Level Job Site, has released its annual ranking of the top internship employers across the US.  The list includes more than 65,000 internships throughout the country in 2017 and shows an average increase per employer of more than 7.3% above 2016 intern hiring.

"Internships are key to getting a great entry level job after graduation," said Brian Krueger, CEO of CollegeGrad.com.  "If college students do not yet have their summer internship secured, finding that internship should be first priority during Spring Break and during the remainder of the Spring semester.  Now is the best timing to start an internship search."

The Top Intern Employers list, released today, represents more than 65,000 internships for current college students and is available online at CollegeGrad.com/topemployers/internships.  It details the 2017 internship hiring plans for more than 200 employers and includes links to internship and entry level job postings for each employer.

"Internships are the connecting point between academic studies and practical experience," said Krueger.  "Having a great internship sets apart college students looking for an entry level job after graduation.  In addition, employers often use internships to conduct a full summer interview of potential entry level candidates.  The best interns will get offers to return the following summer if still in college or even entry level job offers for those entering Senior year."

The Top Internship Employers list includes numerous brand name companies like KPMG, Liberty Mutual, Caterpillar, Macy's and Intuit.  It also includes lesser known employers that are actively hiring interns.  Many of these employers are hiring hundreds or even thousands of interns.  "If a college student is looking for the definitive list of who is hiring interns, this is the list that will jump start their search by quickly connecting them to employers that are hiring," said Krueger.  "If you want to help out a college student friend or family member, let them know about this list."

Krueger reminds college students that although the 2017 internship outlook is highly favorable, the time to act is now.  "Many of the internship openings have already been filled.  Don't wait until summer to start your internship search.  CollegeGrad.com is the best place to find your internship online."