How to Get an Internship: Key Tips
How to Get an Internship in College
Former president Bill Clinton started his political career as an intern for former U.S. senator William Fulbright while at Georgetown University. Long before becoming a tech billionaire, Elon Musk spent his summers interning at several companies, including Microsoft. General Motors CEO Mary Barra started her career with the company as an intern.
Internships are important stepping stones to your desired career. An internship provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom to practical work, develop your skills, acquire real-world experience, and make important connections that can benefit you as you start your career after college. As you prepare to start a new semester, it’s important to explore your options, whether you plan to intern during the year or wait until the summer. Here are the top tips to help you land the internship you want.
Explore Your University’s Career Services
Your university’s career services office offers a range of resources and services designed to provide students with guidance and support when it comes to applying for internships and jobs. They can help you identify internship opportunities in your chosen field and teach you how to give yourself a competitive edge when applying. If you’re already in the process of submitting applications, career coaches may also advise you on how to improve your resume and cover letter and help you prepare for an interview.
Check Your University’s Career Website
Your university’s dedicated career website can help you narrow your internship search down and curate your own list of potential roles. You may also be able to find for-credit internships that allow you to accumulate academic credits while also gaining work experience. A for-credit internship can be useful if you’re concerned about falling behind academically while interning, you need the extra credits, or you have a specific department in mind you want to work for to gain direct experience in your field.
Attend Career Fairs & Networking Events
Attend as many career fairs as possible to meet employers offering internships. Not only are career fairs beneficial for finding internships, but they can also provide some insight into what employers are looking for in prospective interns. Professional networking events in your area can also be a useful opportunity to search for internships as a college student. Even if an organization isn’t actively hiring interns, having their contact information can be useful for future opportunities.
Search for Internships Online
Most online job boards have a feature that allows you to filter the results so they only show internships. Create a list of keywords relevant to the internships you want. If you’re a cybersecurity major, for example, such a list might include terms like “IT,” “cybersecurity,” “tech,” “information security,” or some variation. Make sure you meet all the qualifications before applying. Some internships require you to be a rising junior or senior, while others may be open to all years.
Leverage Your Existing Network
Your existing network of professors, mentors, coaches, classmates, and family members may be able to identify internship opportunities you might have otherwise missed. Professors and faculty members often have valuable insight into the connections that you need to secure an internship in your chosen field and can offer letters of recommendation. Being a member of a career-related society, club, or organization, especially ones that sponsor industry-related events, can also be beneficial for learning about internships.
Use All Available Resources to Polish Your Applications
Most companies and academic departments recognize that you’re still a student, so you may not yet have a lot of experience when applying for internships. Even so, it’s important to ensure your resume stands out by highlighting your knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Make sure you list any part-time work or job experience you do have, the classes you’ve finished that may be relevant to the role, any major projects you’ve completed, and any certifications you hold. Include your GPA and role in any student clubs or organizations. If necessary, include a portfolio of relevant work and a cover letter showcasing your interest in the internship and highlighting how your skills and experience align with what’s needed. Have a career coach or professor review your application to ensure you have all the materials you need and that your resume and cover letter are professional and free of error.
Engage in Mock Interviews
To secure an internship, it’s important to become comfortable with interviewing. Use university career services or a professional mock interview service geared toward students to help you practice your interview responses and learn how to improve your communication skills. You can also practice interviewing with a friend by giving them questions and follow-up responses. The more mock interviews you do, the more prepared and confident you’ll become when it’s time for the real thing.
Take a Breath
Remember that it’s not a race, so don’t feel bad if your classmates are landing internships before you. Finding the right internship can require patience. Take some time to research potential careers in your field of study while you search for internships to ensure you find one that aligns with your future trajectory. Gain the input of your advisor or mentor. Finally, take a break by indulging in your favorite hobby or by finding a new one.
Regent University: Equipping Students for Excellence
At Regent University, we are committed to providing opportunities that will shape you for success in your future career. Since 1977, we have trained over 35,000 Christian leaders to change the world and lead with purpose. Whatever your field of study, our expert faculty and helpful academic advisors will work with you to help you select an internship appropriate for your career so that you can follow in their footsteps. Learn more at regent.edu/about-regent.