HOW TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP
Believe it or not, there are many ways to find an internship. You might have success filtering for one on a job board, talking to your professors, or checking your department major’s website. But that’s not all! The following strategies will help you create a plan, stay organized, maximize your time, and find the internships that most align with your career goals.
THE VALUE OF INTERNING
Internships offer great experience for students and recent graduates. Relevant experience can strengthen your resume, improve your job prospects, help you develop essential hard and soft skills, learn professional interaction, and build a network. Other benefits include:
Seeing how your studies translate to real-world situations
Figuring out what you really enjoy — and potentially uncovering new interests
Gaining experience in a supportive environment
Connecting with professionals in your field
Earning a salary (in some cases)
Potentially fulfilling college requirements and earning credit
Opening doors to future internships or full-time employment opportunities
Experiencing new places, if your internship includes travel
Deepening your industry understanding
Learning how to create and manage a work-life balance
Getting a feel for workplace dynamics
MYTHBUSTING
It’s easy to believe common misconceptions as proof when looking for an internship. Here’s a breakdown of some prevalent internship myths and the realities behind them.
Myth: Interns only ever get to do grunt work or beginner-level tasks.
Reality: While an internship might include some administrative duties, many companies bring on interns to help with specific projects or collaborate with existing teams on actual work.
Myth: You should only seek an internship in your major.
Reality: Internships don’t always have to match your major. They provide valuable career development in different ways. It’s more beneficial to seek something that interests you or offers learning opportunities.
Myth: Internships are never paid (or pay poorly).
Reality: This outdated myth persists, yet many companies now offer competitive pay and perks. Depending on the role, interns may enjoy benefits available to full-time employees, like company devices or wellness services. Companies want to provide a positive experience, combining work experience with enjoyable elements.
Paid, unpaid, and credit-based internships remain. If you’re weighing the value of an unpaid internship, make a pros/cons list. Ask yourself: Does it align with my studies and goals? Where’s it located? What’s the time commitment?
Myth: You can’t work and have an internship simultaneously.
Reality: It’s definitely possible to combine an internship with a job, although it’s probably easier to do so in the summertime when classes aren’t in session. Note that some internships are available year-round. Internship organizers understand the need for supplementary income, especially with lower-paying or unpaid internships. Consider a part-time internship, if it’s an option, so your schedule can accommodate a part-time job, too.
Myth: Interning at a company means getting a guaranteed job after graduation.
Reality: An internship isn’t an automatic pathway to a job with the company after graduation. Keep in touch with your managers and express your interest once you receive your degree. Think of the internship as an extended interview and act accordingly. Be professional, enthusiastic, and avoid complaining. A good impression increases your chances, but don’t assume a job offer.
THE BEST WAYS TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP
1. Define your goals.
Maximize your internship search by figuring out what you want to achieve. If you have a particular career in mind, look for internships in that field. The practical experience you gain will help you develop relevant skills.
If you’re still exploring career options, think about your interests and what you like to do. Internships can be a way to try out different industries and find the best fit. Once you’ve got a clear idea of your goals and interests, you can narrow your search to companies that align with them.
2. Clarify your requirements.
To find the best fit, define what you need, like your non-negotiables. For instance, if you need to earn money, look for paid or part-time internships. Beyond pay, consider factors like the program’s objectives, your expected responsibilities, and whether there’s room for growth.
Compare large and small company internship programs, too. Smaller companies might have more direct, hands-on opportunities, while larger companies may have more structured programs with clearly defined intern roles.
3. Avoid procrastinating.
Don’t wait to start your internship search. Because many internship programs are competitive, begin applying as soon as you know your interests and availability, and the application window opens. Many industries and programs have application deadlines, so start your research early.
Summer internships often require you to apply in the late winter or early spring. Applying early also shows initiative and gives you more time to weigh your options if multiple programs accept you.
4. Ask specific companies.
If you want to intern for a particular company, check out their programs and application processes. If you don’t see any opportunities listed, contact the relevant department directly. Send a personalized email with your resume, expressing your interest in the team.
Emphasize your passion for the company and how your skills can contribute to their objectives. This proactive approach can make a positive first impression and showcase your eagerness to learn.
THE BEST WAYS TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP (CONT.)
5. Visit your school’s career office.
Your school is another helpful resource for finding internships, as they’re often connected with companies and alumni eager to help current students on their career path.
6. Attend a career fair.
Whether job- or internship-focused, career fairs hosted by your school or in the community are excellent for finding opportunities and making connections. Come prepared with a short, impactful introduction — think elevator pitch — to showcase your value as an intern. Bring plenty of resume copies. Face-to-face conversations with company representatives can give you a real sense of whether their company culture aligns with you.
7. Ask your network.
Never underestimate the power of your network, whether it’s parents or other relatives, older friends, neighbors, current and former professors, or even the friend of a friend who works in your field of interest. Ask if they’d be open to chatting about your career goals. These conversations can lead to internship opportunities, especially if someone can offer a referral.
Even if they don’t have a direct lead, people in your network can still provide important insights, like their own career journey or the skills you need for success.
8. Use social media.
Social media is an excellent tool for finding internships. Follow companies you’re interested in; they often post about openings and application details. Their social media pages should also give you an idea of their culture. Keep your engagement with their accounts professional.
9. Look online.
Online job boards are a great resource for internship hunting. You can use filters to narrow your search by location, industry, job title, and even time of year to help pinpoint your best match.
BEST WEBSITES TO USE FOR UNCOVERING INTERNSHIPS
YOUR OWN SCHOOL’S WEBSITE
Many colleges and universities have career centers and online resources for help writing a resume or cover letter, creating a LinkedIn profile, connecting with alumni in your field, finding a job, or looking for internships.
This program provider focuses on arranging international internships for students and recent graduates. AbsoluteInternship has partnered with 60+ universities and colleges and over 800 companies worldwide. The company guarantees an internship in the industry you apply for if your application is successful. They incorporate career development and other resources into their programs, helping you maximize your international experience and prepare for future career steps.
The American Institute for Foreign Study Abroad (AFIS) is a great resource for international internships. It offers internships in over 40 career fields, providing opportunities for those with diverse academic backgrounds and professional interests. AFIS’s internship programs are designed to complement academic degrees, and you can often earn credit from your home institution, AFIS Abroad’s school of record, or partner schools.
Externships are shorter-term, observational experiences that typically last a few days to a few weeks. Shorter than internships, externs are typically unpaid and spend much of their time shadowing professionals, learning about the daily operations of a specific role or industry, and possibly helping with smaller tasks. This website focuses on connecting you with externships. Extern has partnered with companies and organizations in various industries, giving you many fields to explore — it’s perfect if you’re still deciding on your career path.
BEST WEBSITES TO USE FOR UNCOVERING INTERNSHIPS (CONT.)
Glassdoor features transparent, anonymous company reviews and salary data. Its extensive database offers insights into company culture, work-life balance, and ratings from current and former employees. Internship listings include company details and reviews, with filters for ratings, location, and salary.
This comprehensive online platform is another option if you want an internship abroad. The platform aggregates many internship opportunities from global program providers and organizations. You can find business, healthcare, journalism, technology, and other opportunities. Each listing provides detailed information about the internship, including type (cultural immersion, language learning, academic credit, and specific career development goals), so you can find one aligned with your goals.
This career platform was designed specifically for college students and recent graduates. The company partners directly with universities, so internship postings are often specifically targeted to your college, increasing the opportunities you see. Many companies, from startups to Fortune 500s, recruit interns through Handshake. Handshake provides tailored internship recommendations based on your profile, major, interests, and career guides. It also vets employers to confirm legitimacy, providing a safer environment for your internship search.
If you’re interested in nonprofit organizations, social impact, and mission-driven work, check out Idealist. Unlike general job boards, this platform curates opportunities within the nonprofit sector, NGOs, and organizations focused on creating positive change. Each organization listed has a clear mission to help you align your internship search with their values and find opportunities to contribute to causes you care about. Idealist often features internships that are not necessarily advertised on more mainstream job boards.
BEST WEBSITES TO USE FOR UNCOVERING INTERNSHIPS (CONT.)
This popular website isn’t just for job hunting. If you’re looking for internships, you can use its filters to focus your searches by type, location, experience level, company, and date posted. While you can’t filter for paid vs. unpaid internships, many postings will specify compensation in the description. You can also set up email alerts for specific internship searches so you’re immediately notified when new listings matching your criteria are posted.
To find internships on LinkedIn, navigate to the “Jobs” tab, search for “internships,” and refine your results. You can tweak the filters for location and type but can’t filter by “paid” or “unpaid” status. A key advantage of this platform? It instantly reveals connections, so ask your parents to use their accounts to help you search. You never know when a connection works somewhere you’d like to intern.
This platform’s broad reach and user-friendly features SimplyHired a good choice for finding an internship. It pulls listings from different job boards, company career pages, and online sources into one massive database. You can use filters to refine your search by type, location, industry, experience level, and date posted.
This platform connects college students and recent graduates with internships and entry-level jobs. It acts as a central hub where you can search targeted listings, create a student profile, get personalized internship recommendations based on your profile, receive career advice, and more.
HOW TO APPLY
You’ve found the internship that’s perfect for you right now. The application process may differ depending on the company, but here are a few things to remember regardless of whether you apply online via a career database, the company website, or in person.
Pro tip #1: Create a separate email address specifically for interview (and job) searching. Use some combination of your name (e.g., J.Smith@email.com). Include it on your resume and cover letter’s header.
Pro tip #2: Internship applications often require references. Think about whom to ask early in the process, so those people have plenty of time. Choose individuals who can speak positively about your character, abilities, and work habits. Some fields, like graphic design, web development, writing, or marketing, may require a portfolio showcasing your best, most relevant work. Even if it’s not required, consider assembling a collection of projects pertinent to the internship to highlight your talents.
Want to stand out from the other applicants? Tailor your resume and cover letter, as these documents will influence the company’s decision to interview you. Don't worry if you lack direct industry experience – companies offering internships understand they're providing the opportunity to gain it.
Here are some tips on customizing your resume and cover letter for a specific internship.
1. Be detailed and show your impact. Besides listing your employment history, connect your responsibilities to the internship you’re applying for. When you describe your skills and duties, try to quantify your impact. For example, if you managed a social media account, mention how much you increased engagement or grew the number of followers.
2. Stay focused and relevant. Review what the company wants in its intern class, paying attention to the specific tasks and skills mentioned. Then, draw clear connections between those requirements and your own experiences and accomplishments. For example, if you’ve worked as a cashier, highlight your customer service skills — perfect for an internship involving community outreach or sales.
3. Format for easy reading. Use a template with plenty of white space for easy readability. Incorporate bullet points to highlight the most important details. Use a straightforward font, and enlarge your contact information in the header.
HOW TO APPLY (CONT.)
4. Personalize cover letters. A well-crafted cover letter (that sounds like it was written by a human and not AI) can elevate you above the rest of the applicants. Use this letter to showcase your personality, interests, skills, contributions, and writing abilities.
Explain how your background and personality make you a strong candidate for that specific internship and organization. If applying to multiple internships, tailor your cover letter for each role. Use the internship listing to help identify which of your skills and experiences to emphasize.
5. Show your enthusiasm. Companies want enthusiastic, motivated interns who are excited about joining the team. Convey your enthusiasm by stating why you’re passionate about the company or specific role.
DECODING THE INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
To help you tweak your resume and customize your cover letter, look at the internship description and reverse engineer it so you know exactly what you need to highlight.
1. Thoroughly read and analyze the internship description. Identify key responsibilities, primary duties, and tasks. Pay attention to verbs like “manage,” “develop,” or “analyze” that indicate required actions.
2. Identify required hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, project management). Look for specific educational requirements, certifications, or years of experience.
3. Create a list of keywords and phrases from the internship description, including job titles, technical skills, industry-specific terms, soft skills, and company values. Tools like WordClouds or online keyword extractors can help you identify frequently used terms.
DECODING THE INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION (CONT.)
Job Posting Example
Job Posting Example (cont.)
Key REQUIREMENTS
POSSIBLE JOB AFTER GRADUATION
HARD SKILLS/SOFT SKILLS
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
CONFIRMS THIS IS A PAID INTERNSHIP
DECODING THE INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION (CONT.)
RESUME ADJUSTMENTS
4. Tweak your resume by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description and highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the required qualifications.
5. When possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “managed projects,” say “increased efficiency 15% by managing projects to XYZ.”
6. Create a dedicated skills section highlighting your specific skills that the job requires.
COVER LETTER ADJUSTMENTS
7. Your cover letter should address the key requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Explain how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate.
8. Show your understanding of the company’s culture and values, and explain why you want to work for that organization.
9. Provide concrete examples to illustrate your relevant skills and experiences and demonstrate your ability to succeed in that role.
10. Use the company’s language. If the ad says they’re looking for a “team player,” weave the phrase into your cover letter.
OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS
Before you upload your documents, complete any online applications, and hit “send,” here’s one final checklist.
Know the application deadline. Many summer internships have a late fall deadline. They may request applications six to nine months ahead of time to ensure they have enough time to review and interview candidates.
Double-check your applications to confirm you’re sending the correct information to the organization.
Have social media? Set your accounts to private, and verify that their content isn’t questionable. A good rule of thumb: don’t share anything you wouldn’t want your parents, grandparents, or boss to see.
INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Applying for an internship is similar to the job search, including the interview process. When a company or organization reaches out to schedule an internship, take time to anticipate questions, consider your responses, and practice a little. This strategy will help you feel more comfortable during your interview and potentially improve your chances of selection.
Here are some potential questions an interviewer might ask you, and some suggested answers.
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
Potential response: “I’m currently a [year] at [college/university] majoring in [major], with a strong interest in [specific area related to the internship]. Besides academics, I’m involved in [relevant extracurricular activities or hobbies, highlight leadership, teamwork, or initiative]. I’m eager to gain practical experience in [industry/field] and contribute to [company name’s] work.”
2. Why are you interested in this internship at [company name]?
Potential response: “I’ve been following [company name]’s work in [specific project, initiative, aspect of the company] for some time and am very impressed by [mention something specific you admire]. This internship particularly interests me because it offers the opportunity to [mention specific tasks or skills you hope to develop] within a [company culture/values that appeal to you] environment. I believe my [relevant skills or coursework] align well with the requirements of this role.”
INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (CONT.)
3. What are your career goals, and how does this internship fit into them?
Potential response: “My long-term goal is to work in [specific career field/role]. I see this internship as a crucial step in gaining practical experience and developing foundational skills in [specific skills]. I hope to learn more about [specific aspects of the industry/role] and build a professional network that will help me achieve my future aspirations.”
4. What do you hope to gain from this internship?
Potential response: “I hope to gain hands-on experience in [specific tasks/areas mentioned in internship description]. I also want to develop my [specific skills, e.g., problem-solving, communication, technical skills] in a professional setting and learn from experienced employees at [company name]. Ultimately, I want to contribute meaningfully to your team while better understanding [industry/field].
5. Why should we choose you for this internship? What makes you a good candidate?
Potential response: “I believe my [relevant skills, e.g., strong work ethic, attention to detail, specific software proficiency] and my enthusiasm for [industry/company] make me a strong candidate. My experience in [relevant coursework, projects, extracurriculars] has equipped me with [specific abilities]. I’m a quick learner, highly motivated, and eager to contribute positively to your team. I’m also proactive and willing to take on new challenges.
6. Tell me about a time you worked on a team. What was your role, and what did you learn?
Potential response: "In my [project/extracurricular activity], I was responsible for [your role]. I learned the importance of clear communication and active listening to ensure everyone was aligned on goals. There was a situation where [briefly describe a challenge], and I learned the value of [positive takeaway, e.g., collaboration, compromise] in reaching a successful outcome."
7. Describe a time you faced a challenge or setback. How did you handle it?
Potential response: "In my [academic project/personal experience], I encountered [briefly describe the challenge]. I approached it by [steps you took to address it, emphasizing problem-solving and resilience]. Ultimately, I learned [positive takeaway, e.g., the importance of breaking down complex problems, seeking help, or adapting to change]."
8. What are your strengths?
Potential response: "My key strengths include [list 2-3 relevant strengths, e.g., my strong organizational skills, my ability to learn quickly, and my attention to detail]. For example, in my [project/experience], I [provide a brief example showcasing one of your strengths]."
INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (CONT.)
9. What are your weaknesses?
Potential response (be honest, but frame your answer positively): "One area I'm actively working on is [a genuine weakness that isn't critical for the role, e.g., public speaking or delegating tasks]. To improve, I've been [mention specific actions you're taking to address it, e.g., joining a club, seeking feedback]. I'm aware of this area and committed to continuous improvement."
10. Do you have any experience with [Specific software, tools, or skills mentioned in the job description]?
Potential responses: If Yes: "Yes, I have experience with [specific software/tools] through my [coursework/project/extracurricular]. I used it to [briefly describe how you used it and the outcome]."
If Limited: "I have some introductory knowledge of [software/tool] from [coursework/self-study]. I'm a quick learner and eager to develop my proficiency further during this internship."
If No: "I don't have direct experience with [software/tool], but I'm a fast learner and willing to dedicate time to learn it quickly. My experience with [similar skill or software] demonstrates my ability to adapt to new technologies."
11. What do you know about [Company Name]?
Potential response (do your homework and research the company before your interview): "I know that [company name] is a leading [industry] company known for [specific achievements, products, values, or its mission]. I'm particularly interested in [specific aspect that resonates with you]. I also understand that [mention a recent company news or initiative]."
12. What do you understand about the role and responsibilities of this internship?
Potential response: "Based on the job description, I understand that this internship will involve [list key responsibilities mentioned]. I anticipate contributing to [specific team or project] and developing skills in [specific areas]. I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to [mention a specific aspect of the role that interests you]."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER
In an interview, turnabout is fair play. After all, you want to learn more about the company and people you might be interning with, too. Here are a few questions you can ask when it’s your turn.
1. What does a typical day look like for an intern in this role?
2. What are some of the key projects an intern might be working on?
3. What opportunities are there for mentorship or learning development within the program?
4. What do you enjoy most about working at [company name]?
5. How would you describe the company culture?
SIMPLE WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH
1. Define your goals.
Before you begin your search, it’s helpful to get a solid idea of what kind of internship you want and what you expect from it. This step helps focus and makes your search more manageable. As you narrow your list, consider how well each internship fits your skills, expectations, and career goals.
2. Create a spreadsheet.
Keep track of your internship applications with a Google Sheet, Excel, or pen and paper. Include the following elements:
• Company name
• Company information
• Where you found the listing
• Contact person’s name and department or title
• Contact information
• Date you applied
• Application method (online job engine, company website)
• Status (Have you heard back? Have an interview? etc.)
• Follow-up (Did you send a thank-you after your interview?)
• Internship rating (Your preference for this job on a scale of 1-10)
3. Create a schedule.
Internship hunting can become a full-time job, and if you’ve got other responsibilities like school, extracurriculars, or family obligations, it’s easy for it to slip lower on your priorities. Calculate how much time you want to spend on it and use a calendar to map out what you need to do (update resume/create a company list/practice interview skills, etc.) and how much time each task requires.
4. Set an application goal.
How many internships you apply to is up to you. But remember, each should get a personalized cover letter, and while you can start with a basic template letter, filling in the specifics takes time. The law of averages suggests that the more you apply to, the more interview requests you get — but that depends on the quality of the internship and how good a match you are for the role.
5. Optimize your resume.
Your resume isn’t a static document. It evolves as you gain experience or develop your skills. You may find that job applications include “must-haves” that you forgot to include in an earlier version, so don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.
SIMPLE WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH (CONT.)
6. Research companies and industries.
Identifying the companies you’d love to intern for is a smart strategy for organizing your search. It helps you keep your attention on a targeted list of organizations. Research their culture and background so you can personalize your applications and do well in interviews. But don’t just limit yourself to those companies. Use them as a measuring stick when you’re checking out other opportunities.
7 Track actions and progress.
Keep track of key numbers to see where you can fine-tune your search. Consider monitoring metrics like new contacts you’ve made each week, number of applications you’ve sent, new companies you’ve identified as potential fits, new leads you’ve uncovered, follow-ups you’ve taken, and number of interviews you’ve landed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Explore different avenues to find an internship (job boards, professors, department websites, company outreach, networking, social media, career fairs)
Develop a plan to help stay organized throughout your search.
Focus on internships that align with your career goals — and if you’re still looking for direction, expand your search to align with your interests.
Customized resumes and cover letters matter; tailor them for each internship you apply to.
Don’t just skim internship descriptions. Analyze what they’re asking for and highlight those skills in your application; use the company’s language.
Prepare for interviews by anticipating questions you may be asked and planning your responses.
Identify early who you’ll ask for letters of recommendation — current or former professors, employers, or teachers are good bets.