9 answers
Danna
Student
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
1
Question
Updated
1290 views
How can I apply for an internship without experience?
I am currently a student of international business, and in a few months I will finish my first year. I want to apply for a job during my vacations related to my career. I do not have any experience, and I do not know how to apply for a job.
How should I apply for a job? or intership?
Can I apply for an internship in my first year?
What companies and websites do you recommend for applying?
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9 answers
Tim Reiter
Recruiting Manager
2
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Networking with the companies you are interested in working with via career fairs, the career services office at your school, or events the company is sponsoring can be great ways to make connections at companies. Your professors can also be a good resource for contacts they may have in the business community. There may also be groups in the community that you could join (e.g. a technology networking group, sales group, etc.) and there may be business fraternities that you can join.
Liam Cheong
Tax Professional
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Hello Danna,
Just a year ago, I was in the exact same position as you are now! Here's a little advice that might help: consider enriching your resume with some volunteer work. If you haven't done any yet, don't worry! It's never too late to start. Additionally, pursuing some certifications or courses could also boost your profile. These can be great additions to your resume. Keep going, you've got this!
Just a year ago, I was in the exact same position as you are now! Here's a little advice that might help: consider enriching your resume with some volunteer work. If you haven't done any yet, don't worry! It's never too late to start. Additionally, pursuing some certifications or courses could also boost your profile. These can be great additions to your resume. Keep going, you've got this!
Alex Kemp
Technical Program Management
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Dear Danna,
It's great to hear that you're eager to gain work experience related to your international business studies. Applying for internships in your first year is absolutely possible, and there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of securing one, even without prior experience.
Leverage Your Academic Achievements: Since you are a student of international business, emphasize your academic achievements in your resume. Highlight any outstanding grades, relevant coursework, or projects you've completed during your first year. Many employers appreciate candidates who excel academically.
Create a Strong Resume: Craft a well-structured resume that focuses on your skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities related to international business. Be sure to include details about your academic achievements, such as your GPA and any honors or awards.
Networking: Networking is a powerful tool when searching for internships. Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events organized by your university. Connect with professors, classmates, and professionals in the international business field. Join LinkedIn and create a professional profile to connect with potential mentors and employers.
Internship Programs: Some companies offer internship programs specifically designed for students in their early years of college. Research companies in your area or those offering remote internships that align with your career interests. Check their websites or reach out to their HR departments to inquire about internship opportunities for freshmen.
University Resources: Take advantage of your university's career services. Many universities have dedicated career centers that can help you with resume writing, interview preparation, and job/internship searches. They may also have partnerships with local businesses and organizations that offer internships to students.
Volunteer Work: If you can't find an internship initially, consider volunteering or participating in unpaid projects related to international business. Volunteering can provide you with valuable experience, allow you to network, and enhance your resume.
Online Job Platforms: Use online job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to search for internships. Filter your searches based on your location and the criteria you're looking for in an internship. Apply to as many positions as possible to increase your chances of receiving interview offers.
Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains your passion for international business, your commitment to learning, and your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity. Customize each cover letter for the specific position you're applying for.
Professional References: If you've developed strong relationships with your professors or instructors during your first year, ask them if they would be willing to provide professional references or recommendations. Academic references can carry significant weight, especially when you lack work experience.
Persistence: It's important to remain persistent and resilient during your internship search. Don't get discouraged by rejections or lack of responses. Keep applying to various opportunities, refining your application materials, and expanding your network.
Remember that gaining experience is a gradual process, and internships are a valuable stepping stone in your career journey. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can be just as valuable as prior experience to many employers. Stay proactive, and you'll increase your chances of landing a rewarding internship in international business.
Best of luck in your search and your future endeavors!
Alex
It's great to hear that you're eager to gain work experience related to your international business studies. Applying for internships in your first year is absolutely possible, and there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of securing one, even without prior experience.
Leverage Your Academic Achievements: Since you are a student of international business, emphasize your academic achievements in your resume. Highlight any outstanding grades, relevant coursework, or projects you've completed during your first year. Many employers appreciate candidates who excel academically.
Create a Strong Resume: Craft a well-structured resume that focuses on your skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities related to international business. Be sure to include details about your academic achievements, such as your GPA and any honors or awards.
Networking: Networking is a powerful tool when searching for internships. Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events organized by your university. Connect with professors, classmates, and professionals in the international business field. Join LinkedIn and create a professional profile to connect with potential mentors and employers.
Internship Programs: Some companies offer internship programs specifically designed for students in their early years of college. Research companies in your area or those offering remote internships that align with your career interests. Check their websites or reach out to their HR departments to inquire about internship opportunities for freshmen.
University Resources: Take advantage of your university's career services. Many universities have dedicated career centers that can help you with resume writing, interview preparation, and job/internship searches. They may also have partnerships with local businesses and organizations that offer internships to students.
Volunteer Work: If you can't find an internship initially, consider volunteering or participating in unpaid projects related to international business. Volunteering can provide you with valuable experience, allow you to network, and enhance your resume.
Online Job Platforms: Use online job platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to search for internships. Filter your searches based on your location and the criteria you're looking for in an internship. Apply to as many positions as possible to increase your chances of receiving interview offers.
Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains your passion for international business, your commitment to learning, and your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity. Customize each cover letter for the specific position you're applying for.
Professional References: If you've developed strong relationships with your professors or instructors during your first year, ask them if they would be willing to provide professional references or recommendations. Academic references can carry significant weight, especially when you lack work experience.
Persistence: It's important to remain persistent and resilient during your internship search. Don't get discouraged by rejections or lack of responses. Keep applying to various opportunities, refining your application materials, and expanding your network.
Remember that gaining experience is a gradual process, and internships are a valuable stepping stone in your career journey. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can be just as valuable as prior experience to many employers. Stay proactive, and you'll increase your chances of landing a rewarding internship in international business.
Best of luck in your search and your future endeavors!
Alex
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Highlight your classes and as teachers for references. If you have an opportunity to volunteer or support a local cause in your community, that would look good on an application. Lastly, If you can make a connection with the company you want to intern with (maybe someone in your family knows someone who works there), a recommendation might help seal the deal.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Bonjour, Danna !
I am very happy to share some advice for you as you embark on seeking work experience for the first time.
My first advice is to register at Indeed and Linked In, two employment websites at which you can discover jobs and internships. Set some notification on the employment websites for business related work. I know you're concerned that you don't have any work history, but do not worry. You don't have to step right into a career position. You can apply for any data entry or customer service positions at companies you like. I would also suggest that you research on line or consult with a resume writer who knows the best way to word your resume for people who have no work history. I have left a link below for you to read about this. You can also do a search on line for templates to make your own resume. They do provide formats for people who do not have work history. Any work you have ever done privately or volunteer and any projects that you've worked on can go on your resume. Resume writers have a way of bringing your history out so a resume looks good.
I have left a link to a list of some French employment websites for you below. You can apply for jobs through those as well as Linked In and Indeed. Do not worry about having an entry level position since you do not have work experience, you can work your way up in a company as time goes on. You should also consider applying for office management jobs, too.
The best way to apply for a job is to e-mail your resume and a cover letter to a company. For internships, after reading about them, you should follow the application instructions and include any additional things that they list as being needed. I am sure you will do fine with this.
Best wishes in all you do !
INTERNSHIPS IN FRANCE https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/internship-jobs-paris/?currentJobId=3325384146
RESUME TIPS IF YOU HAVE NO WORK HISTORY https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/sample-resume-if-you-never-had-a-job
EMPLOYMENT WEBSITES IN FRANCE https://www.momji.fr/jobs/en/learn-french-and-work-in-france/best-job-websites
I am very happy to share some advice for you as you embark on seeking work experience for the first time.
My first advice is to register at Indeed and Linked In, two employment websites at which you can discover jobs and internships. Set some notification on the employment websites for business related work. I know you're concerned that you don't have any work history, but do not worry. You don't have to step right into a career position. You can apply for any data entry or customer service positions at companies you like. I would also suggest that you research on line or consult with a resume writer who knows the best way to word your resume for people who have no work history. I have left a link below for you to read about this. You can also do a search on line for templates to make your own resume. They do provide formats for people who do not have work history. Any work you have ever done privately or volunteer and any projects that you've worked on can go on your resume. Resume writers have a way of bringing your history out so a resume looks good.
I have left a link to a list of some French employment websites for you below. You can apply for jobs through those as well as Linked In and Indeed. Do not worry about having an entry level position since you do not have work experience, you can work your way up in a company as time goes on. You should also consider applying for office management jobs, too.
The best way to apply for a job is to e-mail your resume and a cover letter to a company. For internships, after reading about them, you should follow the application instructions and include any additional things that they list as being needed. I am sure you will do fine with this.
Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Michelle, thank you!
Danna
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
If your already in a university and studying for international the school should be able to provide these answers. Advisors can provide you a list of companies that can meet your background which may not require experience. Some companies simply look at your grades and courses that you may have already completed.
Jamie Meyer
Strategist. Methods Analyst. Interdisciplinary Specialist. Social Architect.
13
Answers
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hello Danna,
Don't overthink this. It is a great opportunity to work on your network and relationship skills and to build some tolerance for the word 'no'.
1. Existing Platforms
The institute you studied with should have an Advisor or Program to connect you with Internship opportunities. And if they don't they should have resources to develop and write an appropriate resume.
You can use that resume to apply for advertised Internship positions on major recruitment websites such as Seek or Indeed. You can also use that resume to work with recruitment companies. Most often recruitment companies work with paid positions, however, some have ongoing relationships with corporate businesses and may see an opportunity for both you and one of their Clients.
2. Creating your own Platforms
Creating a profile on platforms such as LinkedIn opens a world of potential connections. Spend some time cultivating relationships with interesting people in your field, post the fact you are looking for an internship, highlight your academic achievements and other work you have been involved with.
You could also make a list of the companies that you would dream of interning for. Do some research and use this platform to start conversations and relationships with people who work there.
Keep in mind that there is a value exchange in an intern position for both you and the company. Consider what value you can add to them as well as what you stand to gain from the experience and include this on your resume. Your character will speak as highly as your grades so make sure you reflect this in your resume and any communications you have while building relationships.
Think of it like being an actor or actress auditioning for roles. Shoot for the moon, take a risk, take a chance and don't be afraid to seek out opportunities that aren't necessarily available or advertised. When you hear the word 'no', consider the feedback you receive and how you can apply it to the next opportunity.
Wishing you the highest success in this adventure.
Don't overthink this. It is a great opportunity to work on your network and relationship skills and to build some tolerance for the word 'no'.
1. Existing Platforms
The institute you studied with should have an Advisor or Program to connect you with Internship opportunities. And if they don't they should have resources to develop and write an appropriate resume.
You can use that resume to apply for advertised Internship positions on major recruitment websites such as Seek or Indeed. You can also use that resume to work with recruitment companies. Most often recruitment companies work with paid positions, however, some have ongoing relationships with corporate businesses and may see an opportunity for both you and one of their Clients.
2. Creating your own Platforms
Creating a profile on platforms such as LinkedIn opens a world of potential connections. Spend some time cultivating relationships with interesting people in your field, post the fact you are looking for an internship, highlight your academic achievements and other work you have been involved with.
You could also make a list of the companies that you would dream of interning for. Do some research and use this platform to start conversations and relationships with people who work there.
Keep in mind that there is a value exchange in an intern position for both you and the company. Consider what value you can add to them as well as what you stand to gain from the experience and include this on your resume. Your character will speak as highly as your grades so make sure you reflect this in your resume and any communications you have while building relationships.
Think of it like being an actor or actress auditioning for roles. Shoot for the moon, take a risk, take a chance and don't be afraid to seek out opportunities that aren't necessarily available or advertised. When you hear the word 'no', consider the feedback you receive and how you can apply it to the next opportunity.
Wishing you the highest success in this adventure.
Loreál Andrews-Fontenette, JDMBA
Governance Program Manager
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Loreál’s Answer
Just apply! Employers know that your experience will be light, but they are looking for those people who are interested, courageous enough to apply, and eager to learn. If you need a resume (sometimes you may just have to answer questions about skills you have), don't be intimidated, just google some samples and pull something together -- even if the final result is short.
Apply to as many internships as you can for companies that interest you or roles that you think you'd like. At this point in your career journey, everything is a learning experience. You will even learn from all the steps leading up to getting the internship -- application process, interview, any interactions/conversations you have with the company or HR -- as much as when you secure one. Your job is to be a sponge and take it all in. But you won't learn if you don't try, so you *must* get over that fear factor first.
And if you don't get the internship that you had your eye on, keep applying -- there are tons of companies and opportunities!
Apply to as many internships as you can for companies that interest you or roles that you think you'd like. At this point in your career journey, everything is a learning experience. You will even learn from all the steps leading up to getting the internship -- application process, interview, any interactions/conversations you have with the company or HR -- as much as when you secure one. Your job is to be a sponge and take it all in. But you won't learn if you don't try, so you *must* get over that fear factor first.
And if you don't get the internship that you had your eye on, keep applying -- there are tons of companies and opportunities!
Irina Umansky
Executive Assistant
4
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Irina’s Answer
Fantastic query, Danna!
The essential element here is your enthusiasm and zeal to acquire knowledge and contribute! I embarked on my journey in Fashion PR as an intern at the tender age of 18, with absolutely no prior experience. I made it a point to arrive ahead of time, dressed appropriately, and was always curious, asking numerous questions. I dedicated myself to the task at hand, eager to learn the unknown, develop my skills, and then invested in the necessary hard work.
Here's wishing you all the best!
Irina
The essential element here is your enthusiasm and zeal to acquire knowledge and contribute! I embarked on my journey in Fashion PR as an intern at the tender age of 18, with absolutely no prior experience. I made it a point to arrive ahead of time, dressed appropriately, and was always curious, asking numerous questions. I dedicated myself to the task at hand, eager to learn the unknown, develop my skills, and then invested in the necessary hard work.
Here's wishing you all the best!
Irina