- Learning how to find an internship is key to developing your skills and growing your career.
- Completing an internship can help you gain professional experience, figure out your career goals and earn college credits.
- To find the best internship for you, start by researching opportunities that align with your interests.
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Finding the right internship can help you explore your interests, take on new challenges and start building your network. Many employers do not expect interns to have much prior experience. They value enthusiasm, initiative and a willingness to learn. Starting early, even in high school or college, can give you a head start in a competitive job market and help you gain experience.
According to 2023 research from Zippia, 70% of interns are hired at the same company they interned with following their internship. This is just one of many benefits of internships. Beyond job offers, internships serve as powerful tools for professional development, helping you hone your skills, explore potential career paths and build a strong resume.
What Are the Benefits of Internships?
The benefits of internships include mentorship and career training opportunities that can help you gain experience outside the classroom and explore new industries and career paths. Some benefits of internships include:
- Learning about an industry:
Internships give you insight into a field, helping you decide if it is right for you. - Gaining practical experience:
Apply what you learn in school to real-world projects, or develop new skills through short-term projects, volunteering or virtual experiences. - Strengthening your resume:
Internships give you tangible examples of work, showing future employers your curiosity, initiative and dedication. - Meeting mentors:
Interns often receive guidance from professionals, which can lead to long-term professional connections. - Earning college credits:
Some internships count as college credit, providing you with work experience as you complete institutional requirements for your degree. To get college credits, you typically must work a minimum number of hours to complete the internship.
What Qualifications Do You Need For an Internship?
To understand the qualifications needed for an internship, research the program, the organization and the field of study. Then compare that criteria with your resume and transcripts. While employers may look for specific qualifications, they often value curiosity, a strong work ethic and transferable experience more than formal experience. These may include:
- Above average GPA
- Proficiency in industry programs and technologies
- How the internship relates to your field of study
- Previous volunteer and extracurricular experience
- Core competencies and soft skills
When To Apply for Internships
You should consider applying for an internship when you feel you meet the criteria and are ready to dedicate your time and energy to the program. It is wise to research internships early on so that you have time to build your resume and network, which can help you stand out. Once you are ready, check interview listings for application deadlines and make sure you submit your application early, preferably well before the deadline.
How to Get an Internship (Even Without Experience)
Internships are designed to provide a person with valuable work experience. Even if you do not have experience, there are ways to strengthen your application and stand out as a candidate.
Here are some steps you can take to get an internship without experience:
1. Research Career-Relevant Internship Opportunities
The best way to find internship opportunities that work for you is through research. Start by looking up organizations that align with your interests, degree or work experience. Then, find out if they offer internships that align with school breaks or time off.
You can also find opportunities through online job boards, company websites, social media, job fairs and school networking events. However, opportunities can arise from anywhere, so while you are exploring, remain open to all possibilities.
2. Create a Resume and Cover Letter
Once you have found the internships you want to apply for, create a resume that will get you noticed. When you create a resume, make it professional, clean, concise and easy to read. It is also important to showcase your skills and experience. Include the experience you gained through volunteering, extracurricular activities and work. Tailor your resume to match the needs of each position you are applying for.
In addition to a resume, you will likely need to submit a cover letter. This is your chance to introduce yourself, share your enthusiasm and explain why you would be an asset to the organization. Personalize your letter by referencing the company’s mission or recent work to show you have done research.
If you are in a creative field such as writing, design, or communications, consider building a digital portfolio to showcase examples of your work.
3. Expand Your Professional Network
Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities not always publicly listed. Start by talking to your professors, mentors and classmates who work in your field of interest. Do not be afraid to let them know you are looking for an internship; many people find positions through personal referrals or word of mouth.
Attend networking events, career fairs and industry conferences hosted by your school or local organizations. Participating in these spaces allows you to practice professional communication, learn more about your chosen field and make a positive impression on potential employers.
You can also grow your network online by joining professional groups on LinkedIn or attending virtual industry events. Interact thoughtfully by commenting on posts, sharing insights or asking questions. Over time, these connections can lead to advice, mentorship or introductions to internship opportunities.
4. Be Persistent
Being persistent can help you beat the competition by showing diligence and dedication. For example, Robert F. Smith was accepted into an internship program at Bell Labs while he was in high school, even though the program was for college students. His persistence paid off when a college student dropped out, and he earned a spot in the program.
If you discover gaps between your experience and internship requirements, work to fill them. Join clubs, teams, or student organizations that offer hands-on experience, or pursue part-time roles that develop relevant skills. These activities highlight your initiative and leadership.
5. Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Internship applications sometimes require one or more letters of recommendation from former employers, professors or mentors. In this situation, be strategic about who you ask. Your references should know your strengths and be able to explain why you are a good fit for the organization you are applying to. Be sure to get permission before you list people as references to ensure they agree to recommend you. If they agree, give them plenty of time to craft a thoughtful letter on your behalf.
6. Apply to the Internship Program
After preparing your professional materials, apply for the internships you are interested in. This may be through email, an online portal or career-related platforms like LinkedIn. If you do not already have an email address that includes your first and last name, you will want to create one to apply for these roles.
While applying, read all instructions carefully and follow them accordingly to ensure your application is complete and error-free. Aside from that, you will also want to customize your application for each internship since each position may require a different element of your skill set.
7. Prepare for the Interview
If you are selected for an interview, research the organization further. Investigate its website, recent news articles and social media posts. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission to better understand its priorities and values. Researching the organization can also help you craft a list of questions to ask in your interview.
Practice common interview questions with a friend, coach, or mentor. If your interview is in person, plan your travel and arrive early. For virtual interviews, check your technology setup and ensure you have a quiet, professional environment.
8. Follow Up With the Interviewer
After the interview, send a thank-you note via email to the interviewer within 24 hours of your meeting. In your note, express your appreciation for their time and reemphasize your interest in the opportunity. Include what you enjoyed about the interview and why the interview helped reaffirm that you would be a good fit. This gesture can help set you apart from the other candidates and leave a good impression.
9. Apply to Various Internship Programs
To ensure that you get an internship, make sure you apply to many different programs. While time-consuming up front, this will help ensure you do not miss time-sensitive opportunities. If you only apply to one internship and are not accepted, you may have to wait another semester or even another year to apply again. So, by applying to various internships at once, you are more likely to get one. Even if it is not your first choice, it will help you add experience to your resume and maybe even allow you to pivot your career.
Where To Find Internships
Besides the places mentioned above, you can check websites like Glassdoor for internship opportunities. You will also want to do a general Google search, review social media platforms like LinkedIn, reach out to your current network and utilize your college’s career center. In addition, you can check online internship directories or use a chatbot to help you conduct more thorough research.
There are also many organizations that are dedicated to helping students and professionals grow in their careers through internships. Organizations like internXL offer STEM and business-related paid internships. To get more information about the different organizations and institutions offering internships in your field, speak to an academic advisor at your school. They will be able to set expectations for you by looking at your transcript and experience and matching you with opportunities where you can excel.
Follow Smith on LinkedIn and subscribe to his YouTube channel to hear more about how internships help him find mentors and advance his early career.
