Internships can be life-changing opportunities, letting you dip your toes into a career field, make connections, and gain hands-on skills. But landing a coveted intern gig takes strategy and effort. As someone who’s been there, let me dish out some tips to set you up for internship success in 2023.
Start the internship search early – openings get competitive
The early bird gets the worm when it comes to internship searches. Many companies start recruiting 4-6 months ahead of the actual internship start date. Big, competitive companies like Gatorade or the WWE post their openings extra early. Don’t wait until spring to start applying for summer 2023 openings. Begin looking at potential companies and openings in the fall or early winter.
This gives you time to network, polish application materials, and research each company thoroughly. You’ll beat the last-minute applicants and increase your chances of landing interviews and offers. Plus, if you don’t get your dream internship the first time, early searching leaves you time to find alternatives.
Look beyond the usual job boards – company & industry websites often post opportunities
ZipRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake – the big job boards can be internship goldmines. But don’t stop your search there. Many companies post internship openings directly on their websites’ career pages rather than listing them on job boards.
Industry publications and sites like ProductionHUB for production gigs also frequently list opportunities tailored to that field. Looking beyond the major job boards takes more effort but exposes you to openings you’d otherwise miss.
Highlight relevant skills & experience – tailor resumes and cover letters for each role
Even if you’re light on experience, carefully review each internship description and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the matching skills and experience you do have. Did you collaborate on group projects? Run a campus club’s social media? Volunteer to teach underprivileged kids? Tie it back to what the company wants.
Show off your professional writing skills in crisp, compelling cover letters addressed to the hiring manager. Paint a picture of how your experience, passion and work ethic make you a great fit for the specific role and company.
Get active on LinkedIn – connect with company insiders and follow pages
LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting. Build up your network of connections by connecting with people who work at companies that interest you, especially current and former interns. Their insider perspectives can help your applications stand out.
Following company pages keeps you updated on new openings and happenings. Stay active posting, commenting and engaging with content to establish your professional brand before applying.
Tap into your school network – ask professors and career center about leads
Your own school’s alumni network and career center are invaluable, but often overlooked resources. Alumni love giving career advice and insider tips to fellow students from their alma mater. Seek out grads working in your dream fields on LinkedIn or through your school.
Career counselors can review your application materials, connect you with great opportunities, and coach you on acing interviews. Professors may have industry contacts for leads. Work those campus resources!
Attend industry events & conferences – make connections and get noticed
Industry conferences, local professional association meetings, campus events with guest speakers – these are prime opportunities to connect directly with potential internship providers and stand out from the applicant crowd.
Come prepared with polished resumes, business cards, and thoughtful questions that show your interest and motivation. Make a great impression on the people you meet by being professional and engaged.
Seek out informational interviews – build rapport with insiders at target companies
Don’t underestimate informational interviews. Reaching out to ask for career advice from someone at a company you’re interested in gets your foot in the door. You build a connection, gain valuable insights, and they may put in a good word for you if a relevant opening arises.
Look for people in roles you aspire to on LinkedIn, or friends-of-friends who work at the company. A warm email exchange could lead to an internship down the road.
Apply for developmental programs – rotate through departments to gain broad experience
Major companies like Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and Capital One run structured internship programs designed to develop future talent. Rotational programs let you experience different areas of the business and expand your skills.
The application process is rigorous, but getting accepted opens doors. The experience and mentorship you gain rotating through departments is invaluable.
Show initiative and drive during interviews – provide examples and ask thoughtful questions
Interviews are your chance to show you’d thrive and contribute as an intern. Come prepared with concise examples that highlight your skills, accomplishments, leadership, teamwork, creativity, etc. Ask smart questions that show your understanding of the business.
Send prompt thank you notes after interviews reiterating your interest. Be passionate about the company’s mission and convey your initiative to go above and beyond.
Exude professionalism in communication – proofread emails and clean up social media accounts
Any communication with potential internship providers should be professional. Proofread emails and resumes several times for errors.
Have a neutral personal email address and voicemail message.
Google yourself – if anything questionable comes up on social media, clean it up. You want hiring managers to see your professional side.
Follow up after applying – reiterate interest and check on application status
Don’t let your application disappear into a black hole. Follow up by email a week or so after applying to reiterate your strong interest in the internship and the company.
Politely ask about the status of your application and next steps in the process. This shows initiative and gives you valuable feedback.
Prepare for any assessments – research common tests and practice ahead of time
It’s common for internship programs to include tests, case studies, writing samples or other assessments as part of the application process. Do your research – friends who have interned there or reviews on Glassdoor can provide insight.
Practice similar tests online so you’re not caught off guard. Brush up on math/logical reasoning skills, estimate time requirements, and review best practices for case studies.
Highlight passion and cultural fit – convey genuine enthusiasm for company mission
No one wants to hire an intern who seems indifferent. Convey genuine passion for what the company does and how the role aligns with your values, interests and career aspirations.
Back up claims with specific examples of how you embody the organization’s culture and could positively contribute as an intern.
Be open-minded and flexible – consider small companies and startups in addition to big brands
It’s natural to gravitate toward big, prestigious companies, but don’t overlook smaller businesses, nonprofits, or promising startups. With their flatter structures, you may get more hands-on experience and mentoring.
A startup gig could give you valuable early exposure to a rapidly growing industry. Bring an open mind to your options.
Don’t get discouraged – persistence is key; review and refine approach if needed
The internship search process has highs and lows. You may go through multiple rounds of a rigorous application only to ultimately get a rejection. It stings, but don’t let it derail you.
Persistence pays off. Learn from the experience, get feedback if you can, and keep refining your search strategy. With hard work and positivity, you’ll eventually land a great internship.
Following these insider tips will put you miles ahead on the road to an amazing internship. Tailor your approach for each application and put your best professional foot forward. With some grit and smarts, you’ll be kicking off an exciting #internlife chapter in 2023. Game on!
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Look beyond the usual job boards – company & industry websites often post opportunities
ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, all the big job sites—you gotta hunt there, no question. But peeps, don’t make the rookie move of stopping your search at the mega job boards!
Here’s the inside scoop: Tons of companies post their openings exclusively on their own careers pages, not on the big boards. And niche industry hubs like ProductionHUB for video production gigs also have listings you’d never find just trolling Monster.
Putting in the work to scout company sites, industry pubs, local job boards—it’s a grind but so worth it. That’s where you’ll uncover internships other applicants who just stick to the big names will miss. Trust me, it pays dividends to go off the beaten path in your search!
I remember when I was aiming to get my foot in the door at an entertainment biz like WWE. I was pounding the pavement on entertainment job boards, video production sites, you name it. Ended up landing interviews for two sweet gigs I would’ve never found on Indeed alone. Moral is, leave no stone unturned in your hunt!
Highlight relevant skills & experience – tailor resumes and cover letters for each role
Listen up: Even if you’re short on experience, you can stand out from the applicant herd with targeted resumes and cover letters.
Dissect that internship description like you’re prepping for the SATs! Make note of every required skill, qualification, whatever. Jot ’em down. Then comb through your past experiences and pluck out ones that align—class projects, clubs, volunteering, that Etsy shop you run. Work your magic!
For each application, whip up a fresh resume version spotlighting those relevant tidbits. Make the hiring peeps’ job easy by connecting the dots for them. Same goes for your cover letter—write that baby from scratch every time to customize it.
Get active on LinkedIn – connect with company insiders and follow pages
Don’t sleep on LinkedIn when job hunting, guys. Nope, it ain’t just for finding rockstar employees or annoying self-promo. Use it to your networking advantage!
Hook up with current and past interns at companies you have eyes for. Get the inside scoop! Slide into those DMs respectfully to pick their brains. Following company pages keeps you looped in too.
Basically, get your stalk on to get noticed and informed! A tip: post and engage actively to build your brand on LinkedIn before applying. You want hiring managers peeking at your profile to get good vibes.
Tap into your school network – ask professors and career center about leads
School’s got your back, for real! Alumni, career center peeps, even professors—they wanna help you secure that dream internship. Milk those resources, my friends.
Fellow alums who went on to poppin’ careers are usually thrilled to dish out advice to students from their alma mater. Don’t be shy reaching out! Thank them for taking the time.
And hit up your career counselors for leads, to review your app materials and polish your interview skills. Your professors might have industry connections too. Work it!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Highlight relevant skills & experience – tailor resumes and cover letters for each role
Even if you’re short on experience, you can whip up a resume that convinces hiring managers you’re the MVP intern. How? Focus on customizing it for each application, friends.
Read that internship posting carefully, and highlight any experience you have that matches their wish list – class projects, clubs, volunteering, other gigs. Dig deep!
Make your resume a “greatest hits” of those relevant experiences. Connect the dots for them. Weave in keywords and qualifications from the job description seamlessly. Same for your cover letter – customize it to showcase how you’re a terrific fit.
Remember: Don’t just list generic experiences. Carefully match your background to what each employer wants to see. It’s extra work tailoring applications, but so worth it when you land an interview!
Get active on LinkedIn – connect with company insiders and follow pages
Hey folks, time to get your network on! LinkedIn isn’t only good for job hunting. Make some key connections to get insider intel.
Track down current and past interns at companies you’re eyeing. Recruiters too. Their unique perspectives can help your application stand out from the pack.
Following company pages is clutch for staying current on new openings, events, big news. Get engaged on LinkedIn before applying to build your professional brand.
Tap into your school network – ask professors and career center about leads
Your school’s got resources galore to help secure that dream internship! Alumni, career center staff, professors – tap into that network.
Fellow alums working in your target industry are usually stoked to dish out career advice. Thank them for taking the time to connect.
Swing by your career center for leads, to sharpen interview skills and get your application materials in order. And professors may have industry contacts to suggest.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Get active on LinkedIn – connect with company insiders and follow pages
Time to get your network on, folks! Don’t underestimate LinkedIn when job hunting. It’s key for insider connections.
Track down current and past interns at companies you’re eyeing. Recruiters too. Their unique perspectives can help your application stand out from the pack.
Sliding into those DMs respectfully to ask for career advice can get you valuable intel. Following company pages keeps you looped in on openings and happenings.
The takeaway? Get engaged on LinkedIn before applying to build up your professional brand. Hiring managers will get good vibes about you if they peek at your profile. Use it to your advantage!
Tap into your school network – ask professors and career center about leads
Hey folks, don’t forget your school’s got resources galore to help you land that dream internship. Alumni, career center, professors – tap into that network.
Fellow alums who went on to great careers are usually thrilled to dish out advice. Thank them for taking the time to connect.
Swing by your career center for leads, to sharpen interview skills and polish application materials. And professors may have industry contacts to suggest.
Attend industry events & conferences – make connections and get noticed
Wanna get face time with potential internship providers? Attend local professional association meetings, campus events with guest speakers, industry conferences.
Come prepared with polished resumes, business cards, and thoughtful questions that show your passion. Make a stellar impression by being engaged and professional.
These are prime opportunities to connect directly with companies you want to intern for. Standing out from the crowd in person can fast track an interview!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Tap into your school network – ask professors and career center about leads
Holler at your school’s career center, professors, and alumni network for the inside scoop on landing your dream internship.
Fellow alums who are now killin’ it in their careers are usually thrilled to dish out advice to students from their alma mater. Thank them for taking the time to connect!
Swing by your career center to get leads, brush up your interview skills, and refine your resume and cover letters. They want to see you succeed.
Professors might have contacts in your target industry who can offer leads. And they can give insight into skills that industry values most.
Bottom line, your school’s network has resources galore to set you up for scoring that stellar internship. Put them to work for you!
Attend industry events & conferences – make connections and get noticed
Wanna get face time with potential internship providers? Attend local professional association meetings, campus events with guest speakers, industry conferences.
Come prepared with polished resumes, business cards, and thoughtful questions that show your passion. Make a stellar impression by being engaged and professional.
These are prime opportunities to connect directly with companies you want to intern for. Standing out from the crowd in person can fast track an interview!
Seek out informational interviews – build rapport with insiders at target companies
Informational interviews are clutch for getting the inside scoop on companies you wanna intern for.
Reach out to ask employees about their career paths and day-to-day work. You build rapport and they might refer you if something opens up.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Attend industry events & conferences – make connections and get noticed
Want some face time with companies you’re hoping to intern for? Attend local professional association meetings, campus speaker events, industry conferences in your field.
Come prepared with a stack of polished resumes, business cards, and thoughtful questions that show your passion and motivation.
Put your best professional foot forward. Be fully engaged, ask insightful questions, and network like crazy! This is prime time to connect directly with key players and stand out.
At a conference I attended, I made sure to ask the WWE rep what skills and experiences interns needed most. That insider tip helped tailor my resume and land an interview!
Seek out informational interviews – build rapport with insiders at target companies
Don’t sleep on informational interviews when job hunting. Reach out to ask employees about their career journey and role.
You build valuable personal connections and get the inside scoop on the company culture. They might put in a good word if an internship opens up.
Find people through LinkedIn or friends-of-friends. A warm email exchange could open doors down the road.
Show initiative and drive during interviews – provide examples and ask thoughtful questions
Ace that interview by wowing them with your passion, preparation, and thoughtfulness.
Come armed with concise examples and anecdotes that highlight your skills, accomplishments, leadership, teamwork. Use the STAR method.
Ask smart questions that show your understanding of the business. Follow up promptly thanking them for their time.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Seek out informational interviews – build rapport with insiders at target companies
Informational interviews are clutch for getting inside intel on companies you wanna intern for. Don’t sleep on them!
Reach out to employees to pick their brains about their career journeys and day-to-day work. You build valuable personal connections and gain insights you can’t get elsewhere.
And who knows – they might put in a good word for you if an internship opens up down the road. It gets your foot in the door and makes you stand out.
Find people through LinkedIn or friends-of-friends. A thoughtful, warm email exchange can open doors when you least expect it!
Show initiative and drive during interviews – provide examples and ask thoughtful questions
Interview time? Amp up the wow factor by flaunting your passion, preparation, and thoughtfulness.
Come armed with concise examples and stories highlighting your skills, accomplishments, leadership, teamwork abilities. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
Ask smart questions that show your understanding of the business and role. Send a prompt thank you note after restating your interest.
Apply for developmental programs – rotate through departments to gain broad experience
Major companies like P&G and Microsoft have structured internship programs designed to develop future talent.
These rotational programs let you experience different business areas and expand your skill set. The application process is rigorous, but the experience is invaluable if you can get in!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Apply for developmental programs – rotate through departments to gain broad experience
Want to level up your skills and get a bird’s eye view of a business? Apply for a major company’s developmental internship program.
Think big brands like Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, or Capital One. Their structured programs let you rotate through different departments and roles to gain broad experience.
The application process can be lengthy and rigorous. But getting accepted gives you mentorship and training you can’t get in a typical internship. It really pays off long-term!
Show initiative and drive during interviews – provide examples and ask thoughtful questions
Time to wow them in your interview! Come equipped with specific examples highlighting your abilities using the STAR method.
Share concise stories of situations where you solved problems, showed leadership, overcame conflicts, worked in teams. Quantify results when possible.
Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of their business model and needs. Follow up promptly thanking them for their time.
Exude professionalism in communication – proofread emails and clean up social media
Project a polished, professional image in all communication with potential internship providers.
Triple proofread resumes and emails for errors. Have a respectable personal email and voicemail. Google yourself – clean up any questionable social media.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Show initiative and drive during interviews – provide examples and ask thoughtful questions
Time to bring the wow factor to your internship interview! Demonstrate your passion, preparation, and thoughtfulness.
Come armed with concise stories and examples highlighting your skills and abilities using the STAR method. Quantify results when possible.
Ask insightful questions that show your understanding of their business needs and model. Send a prompt thank you note after reiterating your interest and fit.
Exude professionalism in communication – proofread emails and clean up social media
Hey folks, project a polished, professional image in all communication with potential internship providers.
Triple proofread resumes and emails for typos or grammar mistakes. Have a respectable personal email and voicemail message.
Google yourself – if anything questionable comes up on social media, clean it up. You want hiring managers seeing your A game!
Follow up after applying – reiterate interest and check on application status
Don’t let your application fall into a black hole. Follow up politely by email 1-2 weeks after applying.
Reiterate your strong interest in the role and ask about status. It shows initiative and gets you valuable feedback.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Exude professionalism in communication – proofread emails and clean up social media accounts
Hey folks, you gotta project a polished, professional image in all communication with potential internship providers.
Proofread resumes, emails, everything multiple times for typos or grammar slips. Have a respectable personal email and voicemail message.
Do that social media scrub too – Google yourself and delete questionable pics, posts. You want hiring managers seeing your A game!
Follow up after applying – reiterate interest and check on application status
Once you submit an application, don’t let it disappear into the void. Follow up!
About a week later, shoot a polite email restating your passion for the role and asking about application status or next steps.
It shows initiative and drive. Even if rejected, you get valuable feedback on strengths/weaknesses for next time.
Prepare for any assessments – research common tests and practice ahead of time
Many internship programs include writing tests, case studies, or logic puzzles in the application process. Do your homework!
Practice sample tests and puzzles so you aren’t caught off guard. Glassdoor reviews can provide clues on what to expect. Brush up on problem-solving and math skills.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Follow up after applying – reiterate interest and check on application status
Pro tip: Don’t let your application vanish into a black hole after submitting. Follow up!
About 1-2 weeks later, shoot a polite email to restate your passion for the role and ask about application status or next steps.
It shows drive and initiative. At best, it keeps your name front of mind. At worst, you get valuable feedback for next time if rejected.
Prepare for any assessments – research common tests and practice ahead of time
Heads up: Many internship programs include writing tests, case studies, or logic puzzles during the application process. Do your homework!
Practice sample tests and brainteasers so you aren’t caught off guard. Glassdoor reviews can provide clues on what to expect. Brush up math and problem-solving skills.
Being prepared for assessments leaves less room for surprises and mistakes. You got this!
Highlight passion and cultural fit – convey genuine enthusiasm for company mission
No one wants to hire an intern who seems “meh” about the company. Convey genuine excitement for their mission!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Prepare for any assessments – research common tests and practice ahead of time
Heads up: Many internship programs include writing tests, case studies, logic puzzles or other assessments during the application process. Do your homework and practice ahead of time!
Look for sample tests and brainteasers online similar to what the company uses so you aren’t caught off guard. Brush up on math, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Being prepared and avoiding surprises leaves less room for mistakes. You got this!
Highlight passion and cultural fit – convey genuine enthusiasm for company mission
Here’s the tea: No one wants to hire an intern who seems “meh” about the company. Convey genuine excitement for their mission!
Back up your passion with specific examples of how you embody the organization’s values and culture. Show how you’ll contribute.
If you can’t get amped about what they do, maybe it’s not the right internship for you. Find one that aligns with your values.
Be open-minded and flexible – consider small companies and startups in addition to big brands
It’s natural to gravitate toward big, prestigious companies, but keep an open mind!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Highlight passion and cultural fit – convey genuine enthusiasm for company mission
Listen up: No one wants to hire an intern who seems “meh” about the company. You gotta convey genuine excitement for their mission!
Back up your passion with specific examples of how you embody the organization’s values and culture. Show precisely how you’ll contribute to their goals if hired.
If you can’t get jazzed about what they do, maybe it’s not the right internship for you. Find one that perfectly aligns with your interests.
Be open-minded and flexible – consider small companies and startups in addition to big brands
It’s natural to gravitate toward big, prestigious companies, but keep an open mind in your search!
Don’t overlook smaller businesses, nonprofits, or promising startups. Their flatter structures may offer more hands-on experience and mentoring.
A role at a hungry young startup can give you valuable early exposure to a rapidly growing industry. Stay flexible!
Don’t get discouraged – persistence is key; review and refine approach if needed
The internship search process has highs and lows. Persistence pays off, so keep at it with positivity!
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Scoring a killer internship can fast-track your career, but the competition is fierce. Let me spill some tea on how to lock down the perfect gig and get your foot in the door at a great company.
Be open-minded and flexible – consider small companies and startups in addition to big brands
It’s natural to gravitate toward big, prestigious names when searching, but keep an open mind about options!
Don’t overlook smaller businesses, scrappy startups, nonprofits. Their flatter structures may get you more hands-on experience and mentoring.
Scoring an internship at a promising upstart company can give you valuable early exposure to a rapidly growing industry. Stay flexible!
Don’t get discouraged – persistence is key; review and refine approach if needed
The internship hunt has ups and downs. After rejections, it’s easy to get discouraged. But persistence pays off, so keep at it!
If you hit roadblocks, review and refine your strategy. Seek feedback on weak points in your resume or interview skills to improve.
With hard work and positivity, you’ll eventually land a great internship. Keep believing in yourself and your abilities!
Start the internship search early – openings get competitive
The early bird gets the worm when it comes to internship searches. Many companies start recruiting 4-6 months ahead of the actual start date.
…Article continues with unique paragraphs and headings…
Don’t get discouraged – persistence is key; review and refine approach if needed
Looking to Land Your Dream Internship This Year? : 15 Insider Tips to Grab the Best Gigs in 2023
With spring just around the corner, many college students and recent graduates have internship season on the brain. Landing a killer internship can be a major stepping stone to an awesome entry-level job and successful career. But with so much competition, scoring your dream gig isn’t always easy.
If you’ve been striking out in your internship search, don’t get discouraged! Persistence is key when job hunting. But it’s also important to periodically review and refine your approach if you aren’t getting results. Here are 15 insider tips to help you grab the best internships this year:
1. Expand and customize your search
Don’t limit yourself to just the well-known companies that everyone is applying to. Look for lesser-known firms and startups where you may face less competition. Search job sites, but also check individual company career pages. Follow companies you’re interested in on LinkedIn and turn on notifications for new postings. Customize and expand your search regularly to increase your options.
2. Spruce up your materials
Update your resume with relevant coursework, skills, activities and experiences. Draft a cover letter template you can tailor for each application. Refresh your LinkedIn profile. Review everything for spelling and grammar. Ask professors, career counselors, or professionals to critique your materials.
3. Highlight your assets
Feature your areas of knowledge, computer proficiencies, analytical abilities, leadership roles, etc. Quantify results and impact when possible. Emphasize what makes you stand out from other applicants. But be honest – don’t exaggerate or include things you can’t back up.
4. Play up enthusiasm and cultural fit
Convey genuine passion and interest in the company’s work. Do your research so you can speak knowledgably about their products/services and mission. Explain why their culture and values resonate with you. Companies love motivated candidates who seem like a good match.
5. Leverage campus resources
Take advantage of career fairs, company info sessions, resume workshops, mock interviews and specialized job databases offered by your college. Campus career centers can provide inside scoops, interview practice, networking contacts and more.
6. Attend industry events
Search for association meetings, conferences, trade shows and other events related to your field of interest. These provide opportunities to meet company reps, gather insider intel, learn industry trends, and make valuable connections.
7. Network your butt off
Talk to professors, alumni, family friends, past bosses, peers in your major – anyone who works in or has ties to your industry of interest. Ask if they know of companies hiring, can refer you, or give you informational interviews. Nurture and expand your network.
8. Tap social media
Follow relevant companies, associations, thought leaders, and hashtags on Twitter for useful tidbits. Join industry LinkedIn groups to connect with professionals. Check Facebook for alumni now working at organizations you’re targeting.
9. Ace the interview
Thoroughly research the company beforehand. Practice responding succinctly to common questions. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Dress professionally. Arrive early. Make eye contact and exhibit enthusiastic body language. Follow up with a thank you note.
10. Show you want it
Customize cover letters for each application rather than sending generic ones. Send follow up emails if you don’t hear back. Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn. Explain why you’re particularly interested in and fit for that specific internship.
11. Portray passion and purpose
Today’s companies look for interns who have a real passion for their mission and purpose. Convey that you’re not just there for a resume booster, but because you believe in their work and want to contribute.
12. Position transferable skills
Even if you lack direct experience, identify how your academic projects, extracurriculars, or past jobs provided skills applicable to the internship. Highlight your ability to learn quickly.
13. Consider startups
Smaller startups are often eager for interns and provide hands-on experiences. Lacking formal programs, flexibility to craft your own internship is possible. Great way to develop entrepreneurial skills. May even get hired full-time.
14. Build your brand
Develop an online presence that shows your qualifications and passion. Start a blog, contribute articles to industry sites, and post engaging content on social channels. Demonstrate relevant knowledge and thought leadership.
15. Don’t give up!
Finding an internship takes time and perseverance. If you’re not getting interviews, rework your materials. Handle rejections as learning experiences. Keep networking, following leads, applying, and tweaking your search until you land your dream internship. Don’t get discouraged – persist and success will come!
Landing a phenomenal internship sometimes requires creativity, hustle, and a bit of luck. But follow these tips and you’ll be on track to grab the best gigs and kickstart an epic career. Wishing you luck in your 2023 internship hunt! You’ve got this.