This qualitative narrative inquiry study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of Generation Z college student interns as it relates to soft skill development from the concept of strengths based approach to internships. Employers express a growing concern that recent college graduates are not adequately prepared for the workplace with the soft skills needed to perform to requirements placed on organizations today. The research study is designed to understand the degree to which strengths based internship program enhances student soft skill development specifically in the areas of communication, teamwork, initiative, and critical thinking, from the voice of the student. The purposive sampling method was used as a primary source to recruit participants from the Midwest career college from various majors of their internship experience for the first structured Strengths Based Internship program design implementation. Data collection consisted of open-ended semi-structured questions with face-to-face interviews with Generation Z intern students. Two factors were explored: the impact of a structured internship program to soft skill development, and how a Strengths Based program design contributes to soft skill development in Generation Z students. The application of the study confirmed the improved development in soft skill competencies and an acute awareness of the student's personal unique competencies that add value to an employer. Thus, as a result of the experience the student gained a realistic depiction of their value added skills and gained insight and clarity of their career vision. Higher learning institutions have an incredible opportunity to increase their workforce development and economic influence in their regions by implanting the Strengths Based Internship Program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]