How to Get an Internship in College

Find internships as a college student by using career services, networking, and online platforms. Start by visiting your college’s career center for guidance and leads. Attend job fairs and connect with alumni on LinkedIn. Use websites like Handshake, Indeed, and Internships.com to apply for opportunities that match your skills and interests.

College is prime time for exploring your personal interests and testing out your possible future career path, which means it’s also primetime for interning. Scoring an internship is kinda like getting to try before you buy. The thing is, we all think we know what we want to do, but sometimes, once we actually get in the direct line of fire, it’s not at all what we expected. And that’s totally OK! Internships help us weed out the misses before we settle on a win.

It probably doesn’t surprise you to learn that internships are proven to positively impact the lives and career paths of students who participate in them. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), studies show that employers are more likely to consider candidates with internship experience. About 60 percent of college grads who completed a paid internship wind up with at least one job offer post-graduation. So, yeah, you should definitely aim high for that coveted internship position!

Scoring Internships for College Students

Luckily, there are a ton of companies that offer internships for college students, both paid and unpaid. As long as you have a strong academic track record and can show that you’ll be a dedicated asset to the company where you want to intern, you’ve got great chances of nabbing one. But where, exactly, do you start? Despite what your parents may tell you, “hitting the pavement” and going door-to-door is definitely not the recommended protocol these days.

Instead, you’ve got to use a combo of the internet and your school’s resources to help you score the big offer. Here’s the best strategy for earning an internship in 2020 and beyond.

Create a Digital Portfolio – First off, use Tallo. Our digital portfolio for students lets you unapologetically brag about your greatest assets and achievements. Then, it pairs you with the best potential internships for your background and goals. Showcasing your talent helps companies see why you’re such a great fit for their internship program and then opens up the doors for the rest of your professional life.
Think About Where You Want to Intern — Having a rough idea of where you’d like to intern is crucial to ensuring that you wind up somewhere that’ll help you envision your future. With that being said, you don’t want to be too rigid. For example, if you’re into media or journalism, think about a newspaper or magazine internship, but don’t get too hung up on the specific publication. Any industry experience is great at this stage. Also consider a co-op if suitable.
Talk to Your Professors and Advisors — That is literally what they are there for! In fact, many internship programs go directly to educators and universities to find the ideal applicants. And, chances are, if you’re in good graces with your advisors and teachers, they’ll be happy to put in a good word for you. Just make sure to start early. Here’s a rough guideline for when to start your search:
- If you want to intern in the summer, start looking in February or March.
- If you want to intern in the fall semester, start looking in July or August.
- If you want to intern in the spring semester, start looking in September or October.
- If you haven’t gotten any offers, keep applying up until the last minute.
Think Outside the Cubicle — The rules are always changing when it comes to the job market and internships, so don’t feel like you have to adhere to some status quo. There are many unique internship opportunities out there that don’t involve a desk or a cubicle, from interning at professional sports stadiums and concert venues to hanging out in national parks all day. Of course, if your ideal job involves a desk and two- or three-screen setup, then by all means intern in an office setting.

You Can Never Have Too Many Internships

If you’ve only got one semester or summer break to intern, we recommend doing it your sophomore or junior year. That way, if your internship leaves you wanting to try something new, you’ve got time to pivot. But if you have the flexibility in your schedule, why not intern a few times throughout your college career? The way we see it, the more internships you complete, the more confident you’ll be about your chosen career path!

Popular Questions

Below are common questions we asked about this topic.

How can college students leverage their campus involvement to secure their dream internship?

Many college students overlook the potential of their extracurricular activities when searching for internships. Your involvement in student organizations, community service, or campus projects can demonstrate valuable transferable skills to potential employers. Highlight leadership roles, project management experience, or innovative initiatives you’ve undertaken. These experiences can make your application stand out to hiring managers and show you’re prepared for real-world experience.

What strategies can students use to turn unpaid internships into paid opportunities?

While paid internships are ideal, unpaid internships can still offer many benefits. To potentially transform an unpaid position into a paid one, demonstrate your value early on. Take on additional projects, show initiative, and quantify your contributions. After proving your worth, approach your supervisor or the human resources department to discuss financial compensation options. This proactive approach can lead to paid opportunities or even full-time job offers for recent graduates.

How can college career centers help in finding remote internship opportunities?

College career centers are invaluable resources in the internship search process, especially for remote opportunities. They often have access to exclusive job boards and internship programs that aren’t publicly available.

Career advisors can help you tailor your resume and cover letter for remote positions, prepare for virtual job interviews, and even connect you with alumni working in your field of interest. They can also guide you on how to build connections and ask thoughtful questions during remote internships.

What are some creative ways to find internships based on specific interests or niche fields?

For students seeking internships in unique or specialized areas, traditional job boards might not suffice. Consider following companies or professionals in your niche on social media platforms. Attend virtual career fairs focused on your industry. Reach out to family members or personal connections who might have insights into your field.

Don’t overlook government agencies or non-profits that might offer internships aligned with your interests. Creating a great resume and portfolio showcasing relevant projects can also attract potential employers in niche fields.

How can students maximize the benefits of summer internships to boost their future career prospects?

Summer internships offer a condensed period to gain valuable experience and build connections. To make the most of this opportunity, set clear goals for what you want to learn. Take on challenging projects that will enhance your skills and provide tangible results for your resume.

Network with professionals across different departments, not just your immediate team. Ask for informational interviews with recent graduates or senior staff to gain insights into potential career paths. Document your achievements and gather recommendations for future job applications. Remember, a successful summer internship can be a stepping stone to your future career.