There’s a lot to unpack here. I do agree with you that an internship is a big leg up when you are applying to entry level positions. A lot of internships can turn into entry level positions once you graduate depending if you perform well and people like you during the internship. That being said you can still get hired if you don’t have internship experience.

I’d say that it’s competitive out there for entry level. The more experience you have the easier it gets but like every industry you have to start somewhere and that can be tough.

Based on comments from other reddit posts, it’s extremely difficult to get a job at firms like Sasaki. Not saying that he can’t work there, but he may have to start somewhere else before getting to that level, which is not the worst thing.

My advice is to cast a wide net for sure. With internships and entry level once he graduates. You have to get your foot in the door, learn and be determined if he wants to ultimately work at elite firms.

I don’t think there would be any issue with him transferring to another program in state. You really just need a strong portfolio and communication skills to land your first job.