The sure-shot way of getting a full-time job or at least an interview for your dream job, is having an internship in your resume. Getting an internship is a big step toward building your career, especially if you’re in college. As a college student, you might wonder how to get an internship and what steps to take. This guide will walk you through everything you need to secure an internship that fits your goals.
Well, don’t misinterpret what I said in the first line. Internships are more than just a line on your resume. They offer hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a taste of the professional world you may enter soon. So, in this article, I’ll help you prepare the groundwork needed to get an internship.
What is an Internship?
Let’s start with the absolute basics. An internship is a temporary position, that offers practical experience in a specific field. Internships let you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations, helping you build skills and gain valuable insights.
Internships are crucial because they bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional experience. They provide a platform for you to learn, grow, and make mistakes in a supportive environment. Having an internship on your resume used to make you stand out to future employers.
But not anymore. If you’re aiming for a high-end career, having at least one internship experience in your resume is mandatory.
Types of Internships
Internships come in many shapes and sizes, each with its benefits. Let’s explore a few common types:
Paid and Unpaid Internships
Paid internships offer a salary or stipend, making them financially attractive. They show that a company values its interns and is willing to invest in their development.
On the other hand, unpaid internships, while not offering financial compensation, often provide rich learning experiences and networking opportunities. But if you’re not getting paid, are unpaid internships worth it?
If you’re considering how to get a paid internship, research companies that are known for compensating their interns. But first, build skills so that you deserve to get paid.
Virtual and In-person Internships
Virtual internships have become popular, especially after the pandemic. They allow you to work from anywhere, offering flexibility and the chance to intern with companies worldwide.
In-person internships, however, provide the traditional office experience, letting you interact directly with colleagues and supervisors.
Both types have their advantages, so choose based on your personal preference and the nature of the work.
Summer Internships
Summer internships are widely popular among college students. They fit perfectly into your academic calendar, giving you a chance to work full-time during your summer break. Companies often use summer internships to scout for future full-time employees.
If you’re aiming to secure a summer position, start your search early and keep an eye on application deadlines. Although most summer internships of this year have come to an end, there is always the next year!
Author’s note to himself: What I call a dream scenario is having a paid virtual summer internship. You got time to work. You got to work in your pajamas. And you gotta get paid for it!
What to Consider When Searching for an Internship?
Now that we are all clear on the basics, let’s start building the foundation. When you start searching for an internship, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Knowing what you want and need will help you find the perfect fit.
Field of Interest
First, think about what you’re passionate about. Your internship should align with your career goals. Whether you’re into marketing, engineering, or graphic design, choose an internship that matches your interests.
You can’t build your skills in digital marketing and search for internships in web development, right? Stick to your interests, build real-world skills, and find that internship. This way, you’ll gain relevant experience and enjoy the work you do.
Company Culture
Next, consider the company’s culture. Are you looking for a fast-paced environment or a more relaxed setting? Do you want to work at an established company or a new startup? Research the companies you’re interested in and read reviews from past interns.
An internship teaches you a lot about corporate culture and sets your whole perception of it. Hence, it is super important to choose a culture that you see fit and would like to keep working at
Location and Logistics
Finally, think about the location. If the internship is in person, how far are you willing to commute? Is the company in a city you want to live in? For virtual internships, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet workspace (which is quite feasible these days). Also, consider the logistics of balancing your internship with other commitments like classes or part-time jobs.
How to Find an Internship?
Finding the right internship requires a bit of effort and strategy. Once you figure out your field of interest, the company culture you want, and the logistics, it’s time to find that dream internship. Here are some effective ways:
College Career Services
Start by checking out your college’s career office. They often have resources and connections to help you find internships. Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events they host. These are great places to meet potential employers and learn about available positions.
Online Job Boards
Use online job boards to search for internships. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list numerous internship opportunities. Use filters to narrow your search by location, industry, and type of internship. Set up job alerts to get notified about new postings that match your criteria.
However, I’d strongly recommend using these channels for finding opportunities, not applying to them. You’re better off reaching out to the authorities directly.
Networking
Networking is super-powerful, doesn’t matter if you’re in tech or marketing. Reach out to professors, family members, and friends who might know of internship openings. Join communities or professional organizations related to your field of interest and attend their events.
I attended a community event in Bengaluru when I was working as a software engineer. After a few networking sessions at that event, I got a job offer with a 5x hike. I could apply for the role even before it got out. Do you see that? Sometimes, a personal connection can lead to an internship opportunity that isn’t advertised publicly.
Social Media
Now this, in today’s date, is the best way to find internship and job opportunities. You have to utilize social media platforms, especially LinkedIn and X, to find internships. Follow companies you’re interested in and engage with their posts. Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and participate in discussions. You can also search for keywords like ‘hiring SDE intern’, ‘hiring ghostwriting intern’, etc. I mean, there are a lot of ways to find opportunities via social media. It’s crazy!
How to Get an Internship?
Preparing for and getting an internship is no more different than a job. Now I’m sure you know the steps, but here are some best practices or important points that you need to focus on:
Apply as Much as You Can
The competition is an all-time high. Don’t limit yourself to just a few applications. The more you apply, the better your chances of getting an interview. Treat the application process like a numbers game. The wider you cast your net, the more opportunities you’ll have.
- Set a Goal: Aim to apply to a specific number of internships each week. For example – 70 applications a week, 10 a day.
- Track Your Applications: Use a spreadsheet to keep track of where you’ve applied, the deadlines, and follow-up dates. In sales, we say – “the real money is in the follow-ups”. The same goes for getting interviews.
- Customize Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Also Read: Top 7 Internship Application Strategies
Build a Strong Resume
Your resume is still the first impression you make, assuming that you still apply via the traditional methods. Build a resume that highlights your skills and experiences directly related to the internship. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on skills and experiences that are directly related to the internship.
- Tailor Each Resume: Customize your resume for each internship using keywords from the job description.
- Keep it Concise: Your resume should be one page and use a clean, easy-to-read format.
Build a Portfolio of Projects
Now, if you don’t believe in applying through portals and relying on one-page resumes, build a portfolio. A portfolio showcases your skills and projects, making you stand out to employers. Include work that demonstrates your capabilities and relevance to the field you are targeting. This is especially important for fields like graphic design, writing, and programming.
- Include Relevant Work: Add projects that are related to the internships you’re applying for.
- Showcase Your Best Work: Quality over quantity; choose projects that best demonstrate your skills and impact.
- Keep it Updated: Regularly update your portfolio with new projects and experiences.
Build a Strong LinkedIn and X Profile
Your online presence is crucial. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile and an active X (formerly Twitter) profile can significantly boost your visibility to potential employers. And trust me, you want a way to put your portfolio and skills out there in the market even if you’re not actively applying for internships. So don’t wait, start optimizing these profiles ASAP.
- Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Use a professional photo, compelling headline, and detailed summary.
- Engage on LinkedIn: Connect with professionals, share content, and participate in discussions.
- Optimize Your X Profile: Write a concise, professional bio and engage with industry-related content.
Write a Good Cover Letter for Each Opportunity
A well-written cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates. Personalize it for each internship, explaining why you’re interested and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. No ChatGPT copy-paste, people notice that.
- Personalize It: Address the hiring manager by name and mention the specific internship.
- Tell Your Story: Briefly explain why you’re interested in the field and how your background fits the role.
- Show Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for the industry and the company.
Prepare for the Interview
Getting an interview is the hardest. But that’s not just it. Once you get an interview, you have to prepare for it like your life depends on it. Research the company, understand its mission, and be ready to discuss why you want to intern there. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer.
- Research the Company: Understand its mission, values, products, and services.
- Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want this internship?”
- Prepare Your Questions: Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, or company culture.
- Don’t lie: Most interviews revolve around what you’ve written in the resume. So, include what you’re confident in. Be prepared to answer any and every question about the projects mentioned in your portfolio or resume.
FAQs
1. Can I get an internship without any experience?
Yes, the whole point of internships is to gain that first experience. Focus on transferable skills and highlight relevant coursework, volunteer work, and personal projects.
2. What if I don’t get a response to my applications?
Follow up politely after a week or two to express continued interest and inquire about the status of your application.
3. Is it okay to accept an unpaid internship?
Yes, if it offers valuable experience, and networking opportunities, and aligns with your career goals.
4. How important is networking in finding an internship?
Networking is crucial; many opportunities come through personal connections and professional networks.
5. Can virtual internships be as valuable as in-person ones?
Absolutely, virtual internships offer flexibility and the chance to work with companies globally while gaining relevant experience. After all, remote work is the future.
6. How should I prepare for an internship interview?
Research the company, practice common questions, and prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company culture.
