9 answers
Lorna
Student
Wilmington, Delaware
3
Questions
Asked
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how to find an internship position
#internship
I am in the process of looking for an internship position and research position this summer. Does anyone have any good suggestions on where I can start?
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9 answers
Tyler Hill
Electrical Engineer
9
Answers
United States
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
if you are enrolled at a university, it is pretty common for them to have job fairs at least once a year. Employers will have booths set up and you should just visit as many as you can until you find the one you feel like is "the one." if that is not an option for you, LinkedIn, Indeed, or any other job search application works fine too!
i would personally try to pursue all of these options. Choosing the right internship can sometimes be challenging, but options are out there!
Tyler recommends the following next steps:
Akul Loomba
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Akul’s Answer
Check out your school's job board, make a LinkedIn account and search for jobs there (it will also allow you to network with recruiters and hiring managers).
Emerson K
3
Answers
Framingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Emerson’s Answer
Since most of the other answers are focused on where to find positions to apply to, I'm going to focus more on how you should start preparing for the application process.
Create/update your resume:
If you haven't already created a resume this should be your first step. Your school probably offers some form of resume help that could be invaluable.
If you have a resume that you haven't updated recently then be sure to make any necessary modifications. Include any recent work experience, relevant coursework, and accomplishments.
Create your cover letter(s):
If you don't have any specific companies in mind you can create a more general cover letter.
Your cover letter is a great opportunity to expand on both the hard and soft skills you claimed to have in your resume.
Create/update your LinkedIn profile:
This is especially important if you are using LinkedIn to search for jobs.
You should have an updated profile even if you aren't using LinkedIn for applications. A lot of applications will ask for a link to your profile and you should view that as an opportunity to show off your personality and skill-set.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Create/update your resume:
If you haven't already created a resume this should be your first step. Your school probably offers some form of resume help that could be invaluable.
If you have a resume that you haven't updated recently then be sure to make any necessary modifications. Include any recent work experience, relevant coursework, and accomplishments.
Create your cover letter(s):
If you don't have any specific companies in mind you can create a more general cover letter.
Your cover letter is a great opportunity to expand on both the hard and soft skills you claimed to have in your resume.
Create/update your LinkedIn profile:
This is especially important if you are using LinkedIn to search for jobs.
You should have an updated profile even if you aren't using LinkedIn for applications. A lot of applications will ask for a link to your profile and you should view that as an opportunity to show off your personality and skill-set.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Aileen Torres
Head of Operations
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Aileen’s Answer
Hi!
I personally found that going directly to the companies you may be interested in working for in the future can have some exciting new internship opportunities for you to try out. Head to their career pages and see what options they have. Others even have special programs that you can apply for like Macys's development programs. Though my schools had many internship openings, some were simply not in the field I was looking for so going directly into the company you potentially want to learn from is a great start.
Also, this may be the scrappy way of doing things, but I find that reaching out to professionals in the field you are in on LinkedIn can also be a great source. Though you may get many unanswered messages, there will be some that can point you in the right direction. We respect the hustle!
I personally found that going directly to the companies you may be interested in working for in the future can have some exciting new internship opportunities for you to try out. Head to their career pages and see what options they have. Others even have special programs that you can apply for like Macys's development programs. Though my schools had many internship openings, some were simply not in the field I was looking for so going directly into the company you potentially want to learn from is a great start.
Also, this may be the scrappy way of doing things, but I find that reaching out to professionals in the field you are in on LinkedIn can also be a great source. Though you may get many unanswered messages, there will be some that can point you in the right direction. We respect the hustle!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Many corporates would offer the internship program but they may give different names on their program. Usually, they would post it on the website when the program starts. You can keep an eye on it on the industry/corporate that you are interested in. On the other hand, you can also check with their HR department.
On the other hand, some corporate would conduct campus recruitment. You can keep an eye on it too or check with your college career centre.
For the time being, you can do some research online to find out which corporates has the program and the dates open for application.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
On the other hand, some corporate would conduct campus recruitment. You can keep an eye on it too or check with your college career centre.
For the time being, you can do some research online to find out which corporates has the program and the dates open for application.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
There are a couple of ways to get internships with the best one being reaching out to a company of interest directly. By reaching out directly you are able to get answer directly from the source and this also shows them that you are interested in them more than just finding some listing online and helps with a introduction. Other ways are using job hiring sites and platforms. I know for my university for example we were always getting emails and messages about upcoming job fairs or openings for companies in the area. By signing up for these notifications it gives you a ton of options in terms of which ones you can pick though and allows you to find out about companies you may had never heard of. Another way is through university internship programs. For example my university partnered with a company who brought students to companies to choose interns from. This way there was already some requirements that needed to be met and students were committed to working the internships. Overall internship are a great way to get your name out there and learn more about specific companies and industries. I highly suggest everyone apply for them as early as they can because they can really help long term.
Good luck!
There are a couple of ways to get internships with the best one being reaching out to a company of interest directly. By reaching out directly you are able to get answer directly from the source and this also shows them that you are interested in them more than just finding some listing online and helps with a introduction. Other ways are using job hiring sites and platforms. I know for my university for example we were always getting emails and messages about upcoming job fairs or openings for companies in the area. By signing up for these notifications it gives you a ton of options in terms of which ones you can pick though and allows you to find out about companies you may had never heard of. Another way is through university internship programs. For example my university partnered with a company who brought students to companies to choose interns from. This way there was already some requirements that needed to be met and students were committed to working the internships. Overall internship are a great way to get your name out there and learn more about specific companies and industries. I highly suggest everyone apply for them as early as they can because they can really help long term.
Good luck!
Thank you for answering my question! highly appreciated it!
Regarding university internship programs, do you have any that you will suggest to me? Any tips will be helpful.
Lorna
Tara Oldenburg
Marketing Intern
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Lorna! I just finished a grueling internship search myself and I was finally able to find the perfect one - here are my tips from the 6 months I looked for an internship.
1. Use LinkedIn
Not only are jobs posted on LinkedIn but the platform also gives you the opportunity to reach out to people that are in the company that you want. I cannot stress enough the importance of informational interviews that are easily facilitated through LinkedIn. Someone is far more likely to hire you if they know you than if they don't - so get to know them! It's as simple as reaching out to them on LinkedIn for a quick chat (bonus points if they go to your college and you can connect with them over that). If you can't find the point of contact for your hire literally reach out to anyone in the company before your interview to get an inside scoop - maybe you'll insight that other interns don't have because of your discussion with another employee.
2. Use Spreadsheets
Organize yourself and your internship search by putting in info about the opportunity, links to the application (or maybe even a screenshot because sometimes the job description is taken down during the internship process), the title, date you applied, a potential point of contact, and the status of your application. There are plenty of templates online but if you are going to be really committed to applying to internships then you can't make the mistake of prepping for the wrong interview or something like that - this spreadsheet helps with that!
3. Build relationships with your professors
From what it sounds like, if you're looking for a research position you might be a STEM student which changes the search a little bit. While I'm not a STEM student and never looked for a research position, many of my friends were successful in their search if they built a relationship with professors. It's as simple as staying after class to ask a question or striking up a conversation during office hours to show your interest in their work so that one day you'll be able to ask if they need help with their research. And even if you're looking for a research position outside of STEM, talk to your professors about their previous work (oftentimes communications, econ, English, and other humanities professors have had previous careers before they started teaching). And many professors are also busy writing books which you might be able to assist with if you've built up a rapport with them!
4. Set goals
Whether it's networking, talking to professors, or applying to a certain number of internship positions, set a goal for your work and always work towards it. This will also assist you in remaining persistent in the face of denial which you will likely receive at some point in your internship. It's a good idea to set something doable so you don't disappoint yourself but also hard enough that you feel you are accomplishing something. For me, I did 2 informational interviews a week and applied to 3-5 internships per day.
1. Use LinkedIn
Not only are jobs posted on LinkedIn but the platform also gives you the opportunity to reach out to people that are in the company that you want. I cannot stress enough the importance of informational interviews that are easily facilitated through LinkedIn. Someone is far more likely to hire you if they know you than if they don't - so get to know them! It's as simple as reaching out to them on LinkedIn for a quick chat (bonus points if they go to your college and you can connect with them over that). If you can't find the point of contact for your hire literally reach out to anyone in the company before your interview to get an inside scoop - maybe you'll insight that other interns don't have because of your discussion with another employee.
2. Use Spreadsheets
Organize yourself and your internship search by putting in info about the opportunity, links to the application (or maybe even a screenshot because sometimes the job description is taken down during the internship process), the title, date you applied, a potential point of contact, and the status of your application. There are plenty of templates online but if you are going to be really committed to applying to internships then you can't make the mistake of prepping for the wrong interview or something like that - this spreadsheet helps with that!
3. Build relationships with your professors
From what it sounds like, if you're looking for a research position you might be a STEM student which changes the search a little bit. While I'm not a STEM student and never looked for a research position, many of my friends were successful in their search if they built a relationship with professors. It's as simple as staying after class to ask a question or striking up a conversation during office hours to show your interest in their work so that one day you'll be able to ask if they need help with their research. And even if you're looking for a research position outside of STEM, talk to your professors about their previous work (oftentimes communications, econ, English, and other humanities professors have had previous careers before they started teaching). And many professors are also busy writing books which you might be able to assist with if you've built up a rapport with them!
4. Set goals
Whether it's networking, talking to professors, or applying to a certain number of internship positions, set a goal for your work and always work towards it. This will also assist you in remaining persistent in the face of denial which you will likely receive at some point in your internship. It's a good idea to set something doable so you don't disappoint yourself but also hard enough that you feel you are accomplishing something. For me, I did 2 informational interviews a week and applied to 3-5 internships per day.
Rose Fajardo, MSHRM
Human Resource
7
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Rose’s Answer
I would start with your school. Many colleges and universities will post internships opportunities in the students career site or bulletin boards. Many companies and organizations offers internships as well which are typically posted on their career site. I would start to connect with the company that offers or aligns with your interest. Companies will typically promote their internships opportunities and LinkedIn is a great place to start when researching for those opportunities. Best of luck!
Mickael Rosenberg
Software Engineer
261
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Lorna,
There are multiple ways to find internship in order of my preferences:
- ask your school board if they have any offers from companies they work with.
- ask in social media, like this one, but be more specific in the fields you want internship on
- search in job search engine for internship
- go to the website of the companies to find and apply for internship.
The last one is my less preferred because that does limit your search to only the companies you know of, which could be a very small amount from all the existing companies that offer internship programs in the area you are interested in.
There are multiple ways to find internship in order of my preferences:
- ask your school board if they have any offers from companies they work with.
- ask in social media, like this one, but be more specific in the fields you want internship on
- search in job search engine for internship
- go to the website of the companies to find and apply for internship.
The last one is my less preferred because that does limit your search to only the companies you know of, which could be a very small amount from all the existing companies that offer internship programs in the area you are interested in.