How to Find an Internship: 7 Tips for College Students

“Go find an internship.”  If you’re a college student, you’ve probably heard this phrase before. “It’ll help you get experience and start networking.”  Well, you might think that’s all true, but how do I find an internship that will give me the experience and connections I need? And how do I improve my chances of getting the internship?

First of all, an internship is a fantastic way to put your skills to use as you approach your final year of college. You get hands-on experience, can make valuable connections, and strengthen your resume before you hit the job market. As you prepare for this next step, consider exploring how to sell used college books with maximum profit to clear up space and earn some extra cash to help cover your internship expenses.

We’ll take it step by step: we’ll tell you how to apply for an internship, how to network for internships, and how you can make sure you’re applying for the right one.

Think About Your Career Goals First

Before you start your internship search, you need to know what you’re looking for. To figure this out, take some time to think about your career goals. What industry do you want to work in? What specific roles are most appealing to you? Once you know what you want, you can narrow down your search and look for internships that align with your future career.

Tip: Think about your strengths and what skills you would like to develop further. Of course, it’s also important to consider what you’re studying right now. What kind of careers does your degree set you up for?

It’s also a good idea to think about what kind of company culture you would like to experience. Maybe you want to see what it’s like to work in a fast-paced environment, or perhaps you’re more interested in a traditional corporate setting.

Make Use of College Career Services

Most colleges have career service centers. These are specifically made to help students like you find internships. Oftentimes, the centers have connections with local businesses and organizations that offer internship programs.

Make use of these services! Don’t hesitate to visit and ask for some help. They can tell you how to approach your search, fine-tune your resume, and polish your cover letter.

Tip: If you’re looking for resources to help you along the way, you can find some free books here to support your internship journey and expand your skills.

Network with Professors, Peers, and Alumni

Your existing network is one of the most valuable tools for finding an internship. You might not think much about your relationships with your professors or other alumni, but these are the people who make up your network. Contact professors who may know of opportunities in your field, or contact other students or alumni already working in an industry that interests you. Many students land internships through word of mouth.

Tip: You can attend alumni networking events or join industry-specific student organizations. This way, you expand your circle and open doors to internships you might not find through online job boards.

Search Online Internship Portals

Yes, networking is great and can help you land a good internship, but don’t underestimate the internet. You probably already know this, but there are many websites where you can find internship opportunities across various industries. Look through Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, for example.

Tip: Set up job alerts for internships that match your criteria. This way, you’ll be notified when new opportunities are posted.

Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter

Even for an internship, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific role. Some resume tips for internships are to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences and describe how they make you the perfect fit for the position. You might not have much professional experience yet, but don’t let that deter you. Focus on the coursework, volunteer work, and projects that have prepared you for the internship.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted resume and cover letter. They can make a huge difference, so don’t be afraid to put in the extra effort. It’s not just about what you have done; it’s about how you present it.

Paid vs Unpaid Internships – Choose Wisely!

Not all internships are created equal, but that doesn’t mean you should only consider paid internships. Of course, it’s great to earn some money while gaining experience, but unpaid internships can still provide valuable learning opportunities. If you do take an unpaid internship, make sure it gives you enough value in terms of skills development, networking opportunities, and industry exposure. You want to make sure that it justifies your time and effort.

Tip: If an unpaid internship also offers college credit, then it may be worth considering. This is especially true if it fills a graduation requirement.

Attend Career Fairs and Networking Events

Career fairs are a great way to network for internships and meet potential employers face-to-face. Often, colleges host these events where companies specifically seek out interns.

Tip: Prepare a brief introduction, bring copies of your resume, and be ready to talk about what you’re looking for in an internship. More tips for finding an internship at such an event include asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest, which can leave a lasting impression on recruiters.

Finding the Right Internship for You

Finding the right internship is a big step in building your career. With a bit of planning and persistence, you, too, will find the right opportunity.

The most important advice we can give is to start early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to tap into your network for support.

It might seem insignificant, but the internship you land today could be the stepping stone to your dream job tomorrow.

Good luck, and here’s to landing that perfect internship!