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How can I get any internships, if I do not have any experience?
I'm a freshman in college, and I'm trying to gain more experience in the tech industry. However, I am getting rejected/ declined due to a lack of experience. What advice do you have for gaining experience, when you have none?
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Patricia’s Answer
As a freshmen, I would reach out to my dept. chaiman or my guidance counselor. Most internships/co-op opportunities go through those offices. Another option is personal networking. If you know a neighbor, friend, parent who is working in the field they can sometimes have an inside ear on internship opportunities. Hope this helps and good luck.
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello, Fioldalisa!
There are a couple things you can do to get internships.
First, I should note that most internships give preference to College Juniors and Seniors. Companies like to find people within one year of graduation.
While it is harder for freshman, it's not impossible to get internships :)
Here are some suggestions you can do:
- Start with Small Companies.
Instead of aiming for big employer groups (Amazon or Google). Look for non-name brand companies or local companies near you.
Aiming for small places might mean there's less competition around applications. Plus, you'll gain some skills that you can transfer to a future job later.
- Get an Undergrad Research Position in your school's department.
I recommend this guide from the University of Connecticut:
4 Ways to Get Into Undergrad Research | https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2019/04/19/4-ways-to-get-into-undergrad-research/
- Create a Good Resume! Use the keywords on the website application and add them to yours.
Also, consider adding a cover letter that's concise yet memorable. Cover letters can help you stand out more.
Just make sure you always tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Have Attention to Detail.
- Network! - 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬.
Some people viewing this as scary. Instead: View it as simply forming connections with other people.
Visit college career fairs, especially in STEM. See if there's technology conferences in your state or across the country (Some colleges can help you pay for travel fees).
Talk to people in your major/program! Your department staff or your professors may have information that can help you.
Also, make friends with people in your major! Especially people who are "high achieving" and have gotten internships. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. A lot of people are open to helping you --- or, at least, enjoy talking about themselves :)
- Volunteer Work. If all else fails, try to perform free work for other people on campus or in your community. While it's unpaid, this experience is experience. You can add volunteer service to your resume. Hopefully, it can help get your foot in the door.
Sending you good luck as you develop job experience :)
There are a couple things you can do to get internships.
First, I should note that most internships give preference to College Juniors and Seniors. Companies like to find people within one year of graduation.
While it is harder for freshman, it's not impossible to get internships :)
Here are some suggestions you can do:
- Start with Small Companies.
Instead of aiming for big employer groups (Amazon or Google). Look for non-name brand companies or local companies near you.
Aiming for small places might mean there's less competition around applications. Plus, you'll gain some skills that you can transfer to a future job later.
- Get an Undergrad Research Position in your school's department.
I recommend this guide from the University of Connecticut:
4 Ways to Get Into Undergrad Research | https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2019/04/19/4-ways-to-get-into-undergrad-research/
- Create a Good Resume! Use the keywords on the website application and add them to yours.
Also, consider adding a cover letter that's concise yet memorable. Cover letters can help you stand out more.
Just make sure you always tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Have Attention to Detail.
- Network! - 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬.
Some people viewing this as scary. Instead: View it as simply forming connections with other people.
Visit college career fairs, especially in STEM. See if there's technology conferences in your state or across the country (Some colleges can help you pay for travel fees).
Talk to people in your major/program! Your department staff or your professors may have information that can help you.
Also, make friends with people in your major! Especially people who are "high achieving" and have gotten internships. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. A lot of people are open to helping you --- or, at least, enjoy talking about themselves :)
- Volunteer Work. If all else fails, try to perform free work for other people on campus or in your community. While it's unpaid, this experience is experience. You can add volunteer service to your resume. Hopefully, it can help get your foot in the door.
Sending you good luck as you develop job experience :)
Thank you so much!
Updated
Racheal’s Answer
Hello, great question!
First, follow up with your academic advisor, as they would know about upcoming events and career options. This would also include going to the writing lab for resume building, and that's a big step in the right direction. Flyers are often posted in those areas too, so you'll get a chance to see what is going on what days and get prepared. The writing lab may also have openings for "mock interviews " which is amazing to get as much practice as possible.
I recommend joining student organizations as they often time put on event like career fairs that often have connections to companies that would be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.
You can also look online at companies and see what they have to offer. Lots of companies may not have recruit to go to career fairs, however that doesn't mean they don't exist. LinkedIn is a great place to start .
Volunteer at some of these organization or companies that you may be interested in, which gives them insight to who you are and same for you.
Remember all relationships are a two-way street...keep going even when you are rejected!
Best of Luck!!
First, follow up with your academic advisor, as they would know about upcoming events and career options. This would also include going to the writing lab for resume building, and that's a big step in the right direction. Flyers are often posted in those areas too, so you'll get a chance to see what is going on what days and get prepared. The writing lab may also have openings for "mock interviews " which is amazing to get as much practice as possible.
I recommend joining student organizations as they often time put on event like career fairs that often have connections to companies that would be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.
You can also look online at companies and see what they have to offer. Lots of companies may not have recruit to go to career fairs, however that doesn't mean they don't exist. LinkedIn is a great place to start .
Volunteer at some of these organization or companies that you may be interested in, which gives them insight to who you are and same for you.
Remember all relationships are a two-way street...keep going even when you are rejected!
Best of Luck!!