The Partnership for Public Service reported that in 2007, federal agencies employed 59,510 interns, but only 6.6 percent of them were hired for full-time jobs. Meanwhile, private-sector employers hired 51 percent of their interns over the same period.

So why can't the feds retain their interns?

According to the Partnership's report released yesterday, it's all about perception.

"...it appears to be a function of how both sectors view and use student internships. Unlike private employers, Sam does not view interns strategically, as young professionals who should be cultivated into valued members of the federal workforce. He thinks doing a good deed by giving students experience is enough, while playing down the potential long-term benefit to the government the students represent."

A simple mindset change, it seems, will go a long way.