Internships are one of the most valuable experiences you can have in college. They let you test a career, build skills, earn money (often), expand your network and strengthen your resume. Many employers hire full-time staff directly from their intern programs. The good news: you don't need connections or perfect grades to land one. You need a strategy and persistence. Here's how.
When to start
- First year: explore careers, join clubs, visit career services and build a resume. Some programs specifically recruit first- and second-year students.
- Second year: apply for internships, research positions and campus jobs related to your interests.
- Third year: the most important internship year for many fields, as junior-year summer internships often lead to job offers.
Timing varies by industry. Large companies in finance, consulting and technology often recruit for summer internships in the fall — almost a year in advance. Smaller companies, nonprofits and government agencies often hire in the spring.
Step 1: Visit your career center
Your college's career center is your best free resource. Staff can review your resume, help you practice interviews, and point you to internships that recruit students from your school. Many colleges use job platforms such as Handshake to post internships, career fairs and employer events.
Step 2: Build a strong one-page resume
- Keep it to one page with a clean, simple format.
- Include education, relevant coursework, experience, projects, leadership and skills.
- Count part-time jobs, volunteering, campus roles and class projects — all show responsibility and skills.
- Start bullet points with action verbs and include results: “Trained five new employees” is stronger than “Helped train employees.”
- Tailor your resume to each position by emphasizing the most relevant experience.
Step 3: Search in many places
- Your college's job platform and career fairs
- Company career pages
- Professional associations in your field
- Professors and academic departments, especially for research positions
- Government programs, such as the federal Pathways Program and state and local government internships
- Nonprofits and community organizations
- Programs designed to support underrepresented students in certain industries
Step 4: Network — it's just conversation
Many internships are filled through relationships. Networking simply means talking to people about their work. Try:
- Informational interviews: ask alumni or professionals for 20 minutes to learn about their career. Come with questions, be respectful of their time and send a thank-you note.
- Employer events and career fairs: prepare a 30-second introduction about who you are and what you're interested in.
- LinkedIn: create a professional profile and connect with alumni from your college.
- Professors: they often know employers and research opportunities.
Step 5: Apply strategically
Apply to many internships — receiving rejections is part of the process for everyone. Write a short, specific cover letter when requested, explaining why you're interested in this organization and what you can contribute. Track applications in a spreadsheet with deadlines, contacts and status.
Step 6: Prepare for interviews
- Research the organization and the role.
- Prepare stories using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Practice common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this company?” and “Describe a challenge you overcame.”
- Prepare two or three thoughtful questions to ask.
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Paid vs. unpaid internships
Paid internships are increasingly common, especially in for-profit companies. U.S. labor law limits when for-profit employers can offer unpaid internships; the experience must primarily benefit the intern, similar to an educational program. If you're considering an unpaid role, check whether your college offers funding stipends or academic credit, and weigh the cost carefully.
Make the most of your internship
- Be reliable, curious and professional.
- Ask for feedback and seek out new projects.
- Meet people across the organization.
- Keep a record of your accomplishments for your resume.
- Stay in touch with your supervisor afterward — they can become a reference or help you get a job.
No internship yet? Build experience anyway
Campus jobs, research assistant roles, volunteer positions, personal projects, freelance work and leadership roles in student organizations all build relevant skills. Read our guide to work-study and campus jobs for ideas.
