TLDR: Internships are bullshit.
Just need to rant. I've interned for two full years part time as an undergrad in a STEM field. Turns out no one wants to count it because it part time despite being a full two years, not just over the summer or just during a semester like most.
Couldn't get a job in my field for a long time. When I finally did get one, I was promised 3 months of internship then full time. Took a full year before I became full time, this was during covid, but that company got two PPP loans which idk what they used it on. During this time I was accepted into grad school so I said why not, I'm being severely underpaid anyway. Worked until school started and then quit. Fast forward through grad school in a different STEM field, got internship in my last semester at a big company. Did well and was offered another one at the same big company. Was told that it would lead to full time at the end.
Found out that my company will hire me on full time at the start of next year and not at the end of the internship, but will at least extend my internship one more time. I've been pretty clear that I'm looking for full time to them. I'm not saying no because it's something at least and I like my team. I'm looking on the side for full time at other companies, but those say I'm over qualified for the entry levels because of my education and the levels just above that say I'm not qualified because lack of experience.
So I'll have done a total of 3.5 actual years of internships in my life total just to get nothing. I've played the game. I did well in school. I've built a portfolio to show case my skill set. I've done everything I was told to. But the goal post keeps moving. Fuck this system.