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Career Growth
What tips do you have for college students looking for an internship?
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Emily Thompson
29 answers
Emma
Rising Star
Check out if your college has any resources: are they offering workshops? Do they connect you with mentors? Are there specific employers they have a stronger relationship with? Do they help facilitate an internship program? Another place to check that may have job search resources: your local public library!
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Jasmine Quintero
Rising Star
Internships are crucial because HR values your internships. You can search for former interns in that company and you can ask them for their learning and internship experience with your prospective companies. It’s a good hack make sure your internship is worthwhile because it will help you stand-out when you apply in your first job as fresh graduate.
Penny Connor
Founder
VERY IMPORTANT! Only seek and accept internships in your areas of interest. Also, do not be afraid of unpaid internships, they can really catapult your career in the long run.
Denise Reed
Rising Star
Try to find that company that is close to your major and passion. Many times an internship leads to permanent employment. You get a good feel for the company when placed as an intern and it will help you decide the things you like and dislike on how a company is run. It may end up being a great job for permanent placement. It will definitely be a great teaching and learning experience.
Tiffany Nguyen
Product Designer
Whether or not you know for certain what you want to do: Reach out to people in the roles/jobs you're interested in! Cold emailing can be intimidating. Unfortunately, some people won't respond back. Don't let that deter you, because there will always be people who have the time and willingness to help you—even more so because you're a college student (everyone remembers the struggle of figuring out what to do in college). Be genuine in reaching out to other people. Come from a place of curiosity. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but do the research on the easy questions when you can to make sure you have meaty questions to ask (and not questions you can easily find on Google).
I am working in an industry where projects/portfolios are really important. If that's the case for you, definitely prioritize working on projects (even if they're mock projects) to practice, as well as demonstrate, whatever knowledge or skill you have. If you can work on a real-life project—even better!
Omeïma B
Rising Star
Try to build memorable connections with the companies and employees you encounter during your search. It's a small world. Don't give up :)
Nina OBrien
Rising Star
4 Tips: 1) Do your research 2) Don’t apply to just one or two 3) Follow up 4) Network!
RESEARCH: Select and apply for internships at organizations that align with your personal mission. Before you jump in head first, make sure the company has a robust program. One that offers hands on experience that will really make a difference.
DON’T APPLY TO JUST 1: The internship space is competitive. Be sure to apply to a handful of companies that fit your criteria. This will increase your chances of landing an internship (or maybe many).
FOLLOW UP: If you’ve applied and haven’t heard back, don’t hesitate to follow up with the hiring manager (once is enough). Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If anything following up may lead to your resume getting a second glance.
NETWORK: Be vocal about what you’re looking for because you never know who is listening. Professors, family, friends, passers by… you just never know. Once you put what you want out into the universe, there’s a better chance you’ll get where you’re going.
Best of Luck!
Kelsey Farnow
Chief of Staff
Be a humble sponge! Ask every question you can think of (in the long run, you'd rather be known as the incessant question-asker than the silent intern who went on to understand and learn nothing at all). In that same vein, don't be afraid to be bold and make mistakes now while you have close mentors who can catch you and offer wisdom (this one can be trickier and takes some extra communication with your mentors to avoid just being reckless, but I personally felt it was much better to learn this way to avoid having to make pivotal course corrections and/or discoveries under the pressure of being out "in the real world"). Don't underestimate the power of building a network and witnesses of your professional character! There is ALWAYS something to learn from an internship, even if it sometimes feels disappointing because maybe you're not involved in the way you hoped you would be.
Brianna Brown
Freelance Video Editor
Use what your college gives you! I went to ASU and they have handshake. Something I never did was network! I have no friends from college and honestly regret that a lot. Especially seeing some of them working their dreams and just me working a job not in my degree.
Helena Chukwurah
Lawyer/Virtual Assistant
Be more focused on learning all you can learn and gather the experiences while you can. Have an Open mind and be very inquisitive and eager
Raven Moore
Mindset Life Coach
Utilize your college resources as much as possible. Networking and putting yourself out there can make a huge difference in your search. Focus on your strengths and how they relate to the internship you have your eyes on when creating a resume even if you don't have any "real" experience. Also, cover letters could be a great way to explain why they should pick you! Good luck.
Sherlda Dufleurand
Rising Star
Always use your college career center and keep active communication with your professors. Most importantly follow your instincts.
Favour Daniel
Rising Star
Apply to companies whose mission aligns with yours. Remember internship is about learning.
Jessica Ann
Creative Technologist
Connect with your professors directly and ask if they have any connections! As a former college professor I can tell you, when students show initiative they are the first to come to mind when I have relevant opportunities waiting in my inbox (which is often).
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