5 answers
Caitlin
Student
4
Questions
Asked
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How can I land an internship without much on my resume and what can I do to improve my resume?
College seems to be approaching really quickly and I'm feeling the pressure to get an internship. Unfortunately, I don't really have much on my resume, just a few varsity sports, clubs and volunteering. I feel like the things on my resume aren't really unique and don't make me stand out.
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5 answers
Disraeli Partridge
Accounting
26
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Caitlin,
Resume writing is mostly a skill of how to communicate your experiences in an attractive way. Your "few varsity sports, clubs, and volunteering" already tell me that you have excellent time management! Time management and other organizational skills should be highlighted on your resume. Another resume writing tactic is to have three points for each "experience" you are going to mention. For example, your first experience can be the volunteering. List the name of the activity, when you started and ended, and an action & results statement of what you did. My final tip for writing a resume for an internship is to highlight your ability to learn because that is the most important skill in an internship. Good luck!
Resume writing is mostly a skill of how to communicate your experiences in an attractive way. Your "few varsity sports, clubs, and volunteering" already tell me that you have excellent time management! Time management and other organizational skills should be highlighted on your resume. Another resume writing tactic is to have three points for each "experience" you are going to mention. For example, your first experience can be the volunteering. List the name of the activity, when you started and ended, and an action & results statement of what you did. My final tip for writing a resume for an internship is to highlight your ability to learn because that is the most important skill in an internship. Good luck!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Caitlin!
First things first—breathe. No, seriously. Right now. Big inhale, hold it… and exhale. 😮 There, you just completed your first internship in stress management. Congratulations, you're already building experience!😊
Now, let’s talk about this whole “I don’t have much on my resume” thing. Because guess what? You do. And I’m about to help you see it. Trust me most students even my own students always say this, but they don't releasize it often.
Step 1: Your Resume is Secretly a Goldmine (Let’s Dig It Up!)😎
You say you have varsity sports, clubs, and volunteering. Caitlin… that’s gold. 😏 You just need to spin it like a marketing genius.
Sports Experience = Leadership & Discipline
Let’s say you were a team captain or just played varsity. That’s not just “playing a sport”—that’s teamwork, time management, perseverance, and leadership. Employers love that. I was team leader on my volleyball team and I never thought it would be anything until I actually tried to apply for a job and they starting talking about how it increased my leadership. And I usually was a player in basketball not even the leader but that enhanced my skills in managing collaboration and teamwork. So I bet you already got that too.
Here is tricky part, How to write it, so!
Just gonna hit....
Varsity Soccer Team Captain (2023-2024)
Led team practices, developed strategies, and mentored younger players
Managed team communications, schedules, and problem-solving under pressure
Translation: You just described yourself as a project manager. Boom. 😅
Clubs = Passion + Initiative
If you organized events, raise funds, or lead meetings then Employers eat that up like free snacks at a conference.
Example:
Business Club Treasurer – Managed a $500 budget for events, improving financial planning skills
Math Club Member – Competed in state competitions, developing problem-solving and analytical thinking
Volunteering = Initiative & Impact (thus is a great top look out in everything)
Even if you just packed food at a food bank, spin it to highlight the skills.
For Example:
Food Bank Volunteer – Organized distribution for 100+ families weekly, improving logistics & teamwork skills
Tutor – Helped middle schoolers improve math scores by 20%, strengthening leadership & communication skills
My advuce is to Use strong action verbs like led, organized, managed, developed, improved. They make you sound like a CEO in the coming.
Step 2: How to Land an Internship (Even If You Think Your Resume is Light)
The reality is that Many internships are aimed at college students. The secret tho, There are ways around that.
1️⃣ Find High School Internship Programs
Some companies love ambitious high schoolers. Look at:
Bank of America Student Leaders (Finance, Business)
NASA Internships (STEM & Research)
Google CSSI (Tech & Coding)
Local Chamber of Commerce (Business & Finance)
2️⃣ Cold Email & LinkedIn Stalking (the Professional Kind, Not the Creepy Kind)
Most internships aren’t even posted. Reach out to small businesses, startups, and non-profits. Send something like:
Hi [Name], I’m a high school student passionate about [industry]. I’d love to learn about your work and see if there’s a way I can contribute, even if unpaid. I’m eager to gain experience and help out in any way possible!
Why this works is because People love enthusiastic learners. And worst-case scenario? They ignore you. No harm done!
Caitlin, if you don’t have LinkedIn yet, make one. It’s basically a professional cheat code.
3️⃣ Turn Volunteering Into an Internship
Nonprofits: Offer to help with grant writing, fundraising, or event planning = real-world finance experience
Local businesses: Ask if they need help managing social media, finances, or scheduling
School office: Offer to assist with budgeting or event planning
4️⃣ Leverage Work-Study in College
This is a hidden gem Michelle mentioned. If you qualify for work-study, you can pick an on-campus job in finance, marketing, or admin. It’s an easy way to gain experience while getting paid.
Step 3: Make Yourself Stand Out Without Fancy Experience Because Experience isn’t everything. Employers want people who take initiative and have a spark. So let’s make sure you shine like a freshly waxed floor, umm.... Or a neat ready to go out baby boss! 😁
Create a Simple Portfolio
If you have no work experience, show what you CAN do. Even a Google Doc or Notion page works!
Interested in sports finance? Analyze a team’s salary cap and write a one-page report.
Curious about investing? Track stocks in a mock portfolio and write mini-updates.
Also, start a Passion Project
Employers love people who build things from scratch. Even if it’s small.
Start a blog about finance for teens
Make a TikTok explaining simple investing concepts
Manage a small business’s social media (offer to do it for free to gain experience)
Write a Killer Cover Letter
If your resume feels light, your cover letter is your best friend. Sell your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn and contribute.
Alroghtie, let meGet You Hyped, Caitlin!
Listen, you’re already doing great. You’re thinking ahead, planning for the future, and you CARE about growing. That’s already impressive.
Here’s the truth: Internships are just one way to gain experience. But real experience? That comes from being creative, resourceful, and proactive.
✨ Don’t stress if your resume isn’t “stacked” yet—it will be.
✨ Every experience is valuable—it’s all about how you present it.
✨ The best opportunities often come from unexpected places. Stay open to them!
And most importantly? Have fun with this. The more curious, fearless, and experimental you are, the more doors will open for you. 🙌
You got this, Caitlin! Now go out there and make the world realize how awesome you are. Because you truly are awesome and I believe in you girl! 🤗
First things first—breathe. No, seriously. Right now. Big inhale, hold it… and exhale. 😮 There, you just completed your first internship in stress management. Congratulations, you're already building experience!😊
Now, let’s talk about this whole “I don’t have much on my resume” thing. Because guess what? You do. And I’m about to help you see it. Trust me most students even my own students always say this, but they don't releasize it often.
Step 1: Your Resume is Secretly a Goldmine (Let’s Dig It Up!)😎
You say you have varsity sports, clubs, and volunteering. Caitlin… that’s gold. 😏 You just need to spin it like a marketing genius.
Sports Experience = Leadership & Discipline
Let’s say you were a team captain or just played varsity. That’s not just “playing a sport”—that’s teamwork, time management, perseverance, and leadership. Employers love that. I was team leader on my volleyball team and I never thought it would be anything until I actually tried to apply for a job and they starting talking about how it increased my leadership. And I usually was a player in basketball not even the leader but that enhanced my skills in managing collaboration and teamwork. So I bet you already got that too.
Here is tricky part, How to write it, so!
Just gonna hit....
Varsity Soccer Team Captain (2023-2024)
Led team practices, developed strategies, and mentored younger players
Managed team communications, schedules, and problem-solving under pressure
Translation: You just described yourself as a project manager. Boom. 😅
Clubs = Passion + Initiative
If you organized events, raise funds, or lead meetings then Employers eat that up like free snacks at a conference.
Example:
Business Club Treasurer – Managed a $500 budget for events, improving financial planning skills
Math Club Member – Competed in state competitions, developing problem-solving and analytical thinking
Volunteering = Initiative & Impact (thus is a great top look out in everything)
Even if you just packed food at a food bank, spin it to highlight the skills.
For Example:
Food Bank Volunteer – Organized distribution for 100+ families weekly, improving logistics & teamwork skills
Tutor – Helped middle schoolers improve math scores by 20%, strengthening leadership & communication skills
My advuce is to Use strong action verbs like led, organized, managed, developed, improved. They make you sound like a CEO in the coming.
Step 2: How to Land an Internship (Even If You Think Your Resume is Light)
The reality is that Many internships are aimed at college students. The secret tho, There are ways around that.
1️⃣ Find High School Internship Programs
Some companies love ambitious high schoolers. Look at:
Bank of America Student Leaders (Finance, Business)
NASA Internships (STEM & Research)
Google CSSI (Tech & Coding)
Local Chamber of Commerce (Business & Finance)
2️⃣ Cold Email & LinkedIn Stalking (the Professional Kind, Not the Creepy Kind)
Most internships aren’t even posted. Reach out to small businesses, startups, and non-profits. Send something like:
Hi [Name], I’m a high school student passionate about [industry]. I’d love to learn about your work and see if there’s a way I can contribute, even if unpaid. I’m eager to gain experience and help out in any way possible!
Why this works is because People love enthusiastic learners. And worst-case scenario? They ignore you. No harm done!
Caitlin, if you don’t have LinkedIn yet, make one. It’s basically a professional cheat code.
3️⃣ Turn Volunteering Into an Internship
Nonprofits: Offer to help with grant writing, fundraising, or event planning = real-world finance experience
Local businesses: Ask if they need help managing social media, finances, or scheduling
School office: Offer to assist with budgeting or event planning
4️⃣ Leverage Work-Study in College
This is a hidden gem Michelle mentioned. If you qualify for work-study, you can pick an on-campus job in finance, marketing, or admin. It’s an easy way to gain experience while getting paid.
Step 3: Make Yourself Stand Out Without Fancy Experience Because Experience isn’t everything. Employers want people who take initiative and have a spark. So let’s make sure you shine like a freshly waxed floor, umm.... Or a neat ready to go out baby boss! 😁
Create a Simple Portfolio
If you have no work experience, show what you CAN do. Even a Google Doc or Notion page works!
Interested in sports finance? Analyze a team’s salary cap and write a one-page report.
Curious about investing? Track stocks in a mock portfolio and write mini-updates.
Also, start a Passion Project
Employers love people who build things from scratch. Even if it’s small.
Start a blog about finance for teens
Make a TikTok explaining simple investing concepts
Manage a small business’s social media (offer to do it for free to gain experience)
Write a Killer Cover Letter
If your resume feels light, your cover letter is your best friend. Sell your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn and contribute.
Alroghtie, let meGet You Hyped, Caitlin!
Listen, you’re already doing great. You’re thinking ahead, planning for the future, and you CARE about growing. That’s already impressive.
Here’s the truth: Internships are just one way to gain experience. But real experience? That comes from being creative, resourceful, and proactive.
✨ Don’t stress if your resume isn’t “stacked” yet—it will be.
✨ Every experience is valuable—it’s all about how you present it.
✨ The best opportunities often come from unexpected places. Stay open to them!
And most importantly? Have fun with this. The more curious, fearless, and experimental you are, the more doors will open for you. 🙌
You got this, Caitlin! Now go out there and make the world realize how awesome you are. Because you truly are awesome and I believe in you girl! 🤗
Kari Bassett
Insights Senior Manager
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Kari’s Answer
Look for commonalities between the internship you want and the activities/volunteer experience you have. For example: if the internship asks for attention to detail, do you have a volunteer project you can speak to that illustrates that skill? Tailoring your resume with your end goal in mind will help you focus on what to say when highlighting your accomplishments.
Jocelyn Vergara
Senior Associate
42
Answers
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jocelyn’s Answer
Hi Caitlin!
I know finding an internship can be challenging, but don't worry! The right volunteer experience can really make you shine. I suggest looking into volunteer roles at the American Red Cross. They have great options in administration and other fields that would look fantastic on your resume. Plus, they offer both in-person and virtual opportunities. You've got this, and I wish you the best of luck!
I know finding an internship can be challenging, but don't worry! The right volunteer experience can really make you shine. I suggest looking into volunteer roles at the American Red Cross. They have great options in administration and other fields that would look fantastic on your resume. Plus, they offer both in-person and virtual opportunities. You've got this, and I wish you the best of luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
2378
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Caitlin !
There are a few bits of advice I can provide to you about your circumstances. Perhaps some redirection may make the situation and experience show some results for you ! You do have some viable experience for a resume, but it all depends on how the resume is written and what experiences you may be overlooking that can be on your resume.
Firstly, I would advise doing a new volunteer job. I would have referred you to some places but there's no indication of your city or state. I would suggest forgetting about the long trail for an internship as they are mostly given to college juniors and seniors or college graduates. You'd be able to obtain a volunteer position much easier. Think about a service or business that is related to your intended college major. I suggest that Shadowing is not appropriate as it is not work or education, just simple observation for a day, so that wouldn't go on a resume. Plus, it is for people who are not sure of what career they want, so it's not really a thing for a resume.
You may need to have someone in person look at your resume and interview you, someone that knows how to write resumes in an impressive way. By someone asking you certain questions, you may discover that you have experience that you didn't think of so it's important to have a visit in person with someone who could do it for free for you. You can ask about this from your school social worker or guidance counselor who can refer you to a social service or employment service for teens in your city. Do not underestimate the experiences you already have. There's a way to write it on a resume that can give you a unique flair, but it has to be done in person with conversation with the person composing the resume.
When you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, you can choose the Work Study option. When you are granted Work Study, you can choose an on campus job in any department or building you're interested in. As you work your hours on a work study job, based on the hourly rate, you work until the grant is used up. You apply for it on a yearly basis. I worked Work Study throughout all four years of college and it helped me get my first career job when I graduated.
You will be able to get a new/different volunteer opportunity and you can look forward to Work Study in college and not feel so much pressure right now. It will all be okay. You can ask your school and public Library staff if they know what employment services there are in your area, ones that include resume writing in their services. It's all going to be fine.
I hope this helps and I welcome you in advance to return to Career Village ! Best wishes in all you do !
There are a few bits of advice I can provide to you about your circumstances. Perhaps some redirection may make the situation and experience show some results for you ! You do have some viable experience for a resume, but it all depends on how the resume is written and what experiences you may be overlooking that can be on your resume.
Firstly, I would advise doing a new volunteer job. I would have referred you to some places but there's no indication of your city or state. I would suggest forgetting about the long trail for an internship as they are mostly given to college juniors and seniors or college graduates. You'd be able to obtain a volunteer position much easier. Think about a service or business that is related to your intended college major. I suggest that Shadowing is not appropriate as it is not work or education, just simple observation for a day, so that wouldn't go on a resume. Plus, it is for people who are not sure of what career they want, so it's not really a thing for a resume.
You may need to have someone in person look at your resume and interview you, someone that knows how to write resumes in an impressive way. By someone asking you certain questions, you may discover that you have experience that you didn't think of so it's important to have a visit in person with someone who could do it for free for you. You can ask about this from your school social worker or guidance counselor who can refer you to a social service or employment service for teens in your city. Do not underestimate the experiences you already have. There's a way to write it on a resume that can give you a unique flair, but it has to be done in person with conversation with the person composing the resume.
When you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, you can choose the Work Study option. When you are granted Work Study, you can choose an on campus job in any department or building you're interested in. As you work your hours on a work study job, based on the hourly rate, you work until the grant is used up. You apply for it on a yearly basis. I worked Work Study throughout all four years of college and it helped me get my first career job when I graduated.
You will be able to get a new/different volunteer opportunity and you can look forward to Work Study in college and not feel so much pressure right now. It will all be okay. You can ask your school and public Library staff if they know what employment services there are in your area, ones that include resume writing in their services. It's all going to be fine.
I hope this helps and I welcome you in advance to return to Career Village ! Best wishes in all you do !