Reviving Opportunity: How Match Group’s CEO Brought Back Tinder’s Internship Program Amid a Tough Job Market
In an era where Gen Z faces one of the most challenging job markets in recent history, with companies cutting staff and entry-level positions dwindling, Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff is charting a bold path forward. Since taking the helm of the dating giant last February, Rascoff has prioritized early-career talent, breathing new life into Tinder’s summer internship program—a move that has resonated powerfully with young job seekers.
Upon his arrival at Match Group, the parent company of popular platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, and OkCupid, Rascoff inquired about the status of the company’s internship initiatives. To his surprise, he learned that the previous CEO had canceled the program the year before as a cost-saving measure. “Two or three months after I started, I called my head of HR and said, ‘I’m just curious about the summer intern program. When do the interns arrive?’” Rascoff told Fortune. “And he’s like, ‘Oh, no, we can’t. The last CEO canceled the internship program last year to save money.’”
Rascoff described this decision as “the craziest thing” he had ever heard, especially since Match Group’s core audience is primarily Gen Z, aged 18 to 22. He emphasized that having young interns “spreading vibes” and engaging with teams can greatly benefit the company culture and product development. “Of course, we need as many of these folks around our halls as possible,” he stated.
A Resounding Comeback: The Tindership Program’s Massive Appeal
Determined to reinstate the internship, Rascoff swiftly relaunched Tinder’s summer “Tindership” program. Without a large advertising push—simply sharing the opportunity via his LinkedIn and the company’s website—the program attracted an astonishing response. Over 30,000 Gen Z candidates applied for just 27 available positions, resulting in an acceptance rate of 0.09%, making it one of the most competitive internships in the market.
This overwhelming interest took company leadership by surprise. Rascoff reflected that the surge likely reflects both the difficulties faced by young workers seeking entry-level roles and the magnetic pull of a well-known consumer brand like Tinder. “It probably speaks a little bit to the challenges of job seeking among early career people, I’m sure,” he noted. “But I’d like to believe that it mostly speaks to the quality of the company that we’re at. I’m so excited.”
Structured Growth and Meaningful Experiences for Interns
The 2026 Tindership program officially begins on June 1, with the 27 successful interns embedded across Tinder’s engineering, product, design, marketing, and analytics teams through August 28. Match Group has revamped the internship curriculum to include more structured coaching and mentorship sessions, ensuring the experience is substantive and impactful.
Beyond professional development, Rascoff has planned social activities aimed at fostering community and mentorship. These include a pickleball day where interns are encouraged to bring their managers, as well as an exclusive gathering at Rascoff’s home to deepen mentor-mentee relationships.
This initiative stands in stark contrast to broader market trends. Internship postings on platforms like Handshake, a leading early-career job site, have declined by more than 15% between January 2023 and January 2025. Meanwhile, applications for internships have surged significantly, with 41% of recent graduates applying to at least one internship in 2025, up from 34% in 2023. These statistics underscore the growing competition and scarcity of early-career opportunities.
By revitalizing Tinder’s internship program, Spencer Rascoff not only reaffirms Match Group’s commitment to its primary demographic but also sets a compelling example for other companies navigating the complexities of talent acquisition in a shifting economic landscape. This move highlights the importance of investing in young professionals, even amid economic uncertainty, to build a vibrant, innovative workforce for the future.
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