Purpose: This paper aims to identify internship factors and their roles in obtaining employment, establishing relationships among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Design/methodology/approach: Based on the literature review of more than 100 studies (1982-2020), 11 internship factors were identified. This was followed by the application of ISM technique to get insights into how these factors affect employability. Findings: ISM technique and empirical research aided in classifying the factors on their driving and dependence power. Further analysis identified contextual relationships between all factors and how these affect each other. Research limitations/implications: This study will be helpful for educators, students and managers to understand how internship affects employability through understanding of the factors and their relations. Originality/value: This study is the first study presenting a holistic view of internship factors and how their relationships affect employability in the emerging market perspective of Jordan.