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How do you get an internship with no experience ?
Current college student, but having a hard time getting an opportunity for am internship since I do not really have super professional experience.
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8 answers
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Megan’s Answer
Hi David,
Internships can be competitive! I would take your resume to your college career services office so they can help you stand out a little more. Even if you do not have a ton of experience they can help show how the skills you have learned in class or any clubs or organizations you belong to make you stand out.
Your career services office can also help you find some more internships to apply to.
You might have to look at smaller, unpaid internships to start and build your way up to a more competitive paid internship.
If you can not get an internship look at getting a part-time job to help build your experience to get a future internship.
What is your major? what kind of internships are you looking for?
Just keep applying and don't give up!
Internships can be competitive! I would take your resume to your college career services office so they can help you stand out a little more. Even if you do not have a ton of experience they can help show how the skills you have learned in class or any clubs or organizations you belong to make you stand out.
Your career services office can also help you find some more internships to apply to.
You might have to look at smaller, unpaid internships to start and build your way up to a more competitive paid internship.
If you can not get an internship look at getting a part-time job to help build your experience to get a future internship.
What is your major? what kind of internships are you looking for?
Just keep applying and don't give up!
Hey Megan,
Thank you for the advice! I am a Media Studies major and looking for internships in project management or social media projects. Also internships like marketing assistant.
David
OK great if you are looking for a summer internship this summer it might be a little too late. You can look for fall internships though! Check out the Disney College Program- they do not have social media internships but doing the Disney College Program gets your foot in the door to do a Disney Professional Internship where they have many related internships. I would look to volunteer at a local nonprofit that you like that may need help with social media to build your experience. You can also check out https://www.internships.com if you have not used it already. Best of luck!
Megan McCoy
Updated
Carson’s Answer
Hello David,
The best advice I can give you is to utilize any available resources to create a robust resume or even just to fill one out. I remember being in a similar situation during my early student career, constantly searching for substantial roles to enhance my resume. This involved participating in clubs, fraternities, or similar positions. Keep in mind that everyone has some experience with part-time jobs or even classes they've taken. It's beneficial to include as much pertinent information from those experiences as possible.
Once you've established a resume and/or LinkedIn profile, the next step is to connect with as many people as you can. I submitted numerous applications and underwent several interviews for each internship opportunity. The more you apply and participate in interviews, the simpler the process becomes. Therefore, my top recommendation is to spread your name as widely as possible, and I assure you that you'll find the perfect opportunity.
The best advice I can give you is to utilize any available resources to create a robust resume or even just to fill one out. I remember being in a similar situation during my early student career, constantly searching for substantial roles to enhance my resume. This involved participating in clubs, fraternities, or similar positions. Keep in mind that everyone has some experience with part-time jobs or even classes they've taken. It's beneficial to include as much pertinent information from those experiences as possible.
Once you've established a resume and/or LinkedIn profile, the next step is to connect with as many people as you can. I submitted numerous applications and underwent several interviews for each internship opportunity. The more you apply and participate in interviews, the simpler the process becomes. Therefore, my top recommendation is to spread your name as widely as possible, and I assure you that you'll find the perfect opportunity.
Updated
taylor’s Answer
Hi David,
First, CONGRATULATIONS for taking a big step and being proactive in your career journey! Finding an internship in the formal methods as stated can be competitive and a long process, but consider some alternative methods such as apprenticeships or creating an internship program at a local business.
Proposing to a facility that doesn't have an internship for you to be the first and create a proposal for what it would look like to participate is a huge value add to an organization and your resume and has many benefits.
Many organizations have not considered or evaluated the benefits of having an intern but may be open to the conversation. Consider some of the following: what problems would the internship solution for the org, what would you do to help solve said barriers, what your day would look like, who you would report to (role) , paid/unpaid, resources needed, begin and end date, why you would appreciate the opportunity .
First, CONGRATULATIONS for taking a big step and being proactive in your career journey! Finding an internship in the formal methods as stated can be competitive and a long process, but consider some alternative methods such as apprenticeships or creating an internship program at a local business.
Proposing to a facility that doesn't have an internship for you to be the first and create a proposal for what it would look like to participate is a huge value add to an organization and your resume and has many benefits.
Many organizations have not considered or evaluated the benefits of having an intern but may be open to the conversation. Consider some of the following: what problems would the internship solution for the org, what would you do to help solve said barriers, what your day would look like, who you would report to (role) , paid/unpaid, resources needed, begin and end date, why you would appreciate the opportunity .
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Your major, the kind of internship you're looking for, and your school year will affect this answer a lot, but I'll tell you what I did to get my first internship. I'm majoring in CS and am a rising Senior, and have had three internships so far. My first one was summer of my sophomore year. You should start applying at least two months before your desired start date.
- 1) Create a resume and leverage work that you've done part-time in your resume, volunteer work, school/club positions or projects you've done.
- 2) If you haven't had any work experience yet, I'd suggest doing some volunteering in your community.
- 3) Apply to every internship you're interested in out there where you meet 50% of the qualifications. I applied to around 200 internships before I got my first one.
- 4) LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, Glassdoor, are all good areas to look for jobs. Sort by jobs that were posted in the last few days, and consider skipping something that was posted over two weeks ago unless it was updated recently.
It can take a lot of effort to get your first internship but after that it's easier to secure the next one. It's really a numbers game so don't be discouraged if you can't find one asap, and most internships start hiring months before their start date.
- 1) Create a resume and leverage work that you've done part-time in your resume, volunteer work, school/club positions or projects you've done.
- 2) If you haven't had any work experience yet, I'd suggest doing some volunteering in your community.
- 3) Apply to every internship you're interested in out there where you meet 50% of the qualifications. I applied to around 200 internships before I got my first one.
- 4) LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, Glassdoor, are all good areas to look for jobs. Sort by jobs that were posted in the last few days, and consider skipping something that was posted over two weeks ago unless it was updated recently.
It can take a lot of effort to get your first internship but after that it's easier to secure the next one. It's really a numbers game so don't be discouraged if you can't find one asap, and most internships start hiring months before their start date.
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Make a linkeidn and search jobs through linkedin! Make sure to send in a detailed resume with all your volunteer experience or any activities/leadership roles you were involved in at school!
Updated
Omar’s Answer
Hi David,
Securing an internship without previous experience may be tough, but it's definitely achievable. To improve your odds, follow these steps:
1. Set clear goals: Pick the field or sector you want to explore and the particular skills you hope to gain from the internship.
2. Use your connections: Ask family, friends, teachers, or contacts for help in finding opportunities in your desired industry.
3. Stay proactive and determined: After applying or interviewing, send a follow-up email or thank-you note to show your enthusiasm and gratitude.
Keep in mind that many employers know interns seek experience and are ready to offer guidance and support.
Securing an internship without previous experience may be tough, but it's definitely achievable. To improve your odds, follow these steps:
1. Set clear goals: Pick the field or sector you want to explore and the particular skills you hope to gain from the internship.
2. Use your connections: Ask family, friends, teachers, or contacts for help in finding opportunities in your desired industry.
3. Stay proactive and determined: After applying or interviewing, send a follow-up email or thank-you note to show your enthusiasm and gratitude.
Keep in mind that many employers know interns seek experience and are ready to offer guidance and support.
Updated
George’s Answer
Focus on refining your resume to meet the desired criteria for whoever might be interviewing you. Highlight the talents you possess and explain why you could be an excellent choice for the internship.
Updated
Jarred’s Answer
When I began searching for internships during my junior year, I faced a similar challenge. Fortunately, I found an excellent internship at the last minute. It can be quite worrisome when many internships require at least a year of hands-on experience. My advice is to apply for as many opportunities as possible in your field. Try to apply for at least five positions each day.
Additionally, consider working towards a certification to demonstrate your knowledge in your field, even if you don't have hands-on experience yet. For instance, if you're interested in a DevOps role with AWS, start studying for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. This will look impressive on your resume, as many jobs require it before offering a full-time position.
Lastly, don't hesitate to invest time in learning and researching the skills needed for your desired role. This proactive approach will help you become better prepared for the job market.
Additionally, consider working towards a certification to demonstrate your knowledge in your field, even if you don't have hands-on experience yet. For instance, if you're interested in a DevOps role with AWS, start studying for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. This will look impressive on your resume, as many jobs require it before offering a full-time position.
Lastly, don't hesitate to invest time in learning and researching the skills needed for your desired role. This proactive approach will help you become better prepared for the job market.