Whether you’re a freshman looking for experience or a senior chasing your dream job, these tips will help you stand out and leave a lasting impression!
Start early. It’s never too early to start looking for internships. Many companies’ application deadlines are several months before the internship starts, so it’s a good idea to start searching and applying as soon as possible. Start looking in the fall or even summer before the next internship cycle. Sign up for job boards like Handshake, LinkedIn and your school’s career portal!
Do your research. Before applying for an internship, research the company to learn more about their mission, values and work culture. This can help you tailor your application and interview answers to the company’s needs and demonstrate your interest in the organization.
- Tip: Follow the company on LinkedIn and comment thoughtfully on their posts to get on their radar.
- Check out this LinkedIn learning resource: Align Mission & Values
- Use Vault’s Intern Resource Center to explore company rankings, career advice and real intern experiences — super helpful when prepping your apps and interviews!
Build your network. Attend career fairs, networking events and information sessions to meet recruiters and professionals in your desired field. Networking can help you learn about internship opportunities and make connections that may lead to job offers in the future. Don’t forget about LinkedIn messages, alumni networks, and even Instagram or TikTok (companies post on here too). Building real connections means getting referrals and insider info.
- Tip: Try informational interviews. These are short, casual conversations (15-30 minutes) where you can learn more about someone’s job, career path or company. They’re not about asking for a job, but more about learning and building relationships. This is something professionals do all the time … it’s completely normal and even expected in many industries.
- Try this script: “Hi [Name], I’m a [major/year] at [School], and I’m interested your work at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick coffee chat or Zoom call to talk about your career path?”
Develop your skillsets. Look for opportunities to develop skills that are relevant to your desired internship. Consider taking classes, volunteering or working on projects that will demonstrate your ability to succeed in the internship. Another option is taking free or low-cost online courses on Coursera, edX, Google Career Certificates or LinkedIn Learning.
- Tip: Build a portfolio! Even if it’s a class project or side hustle, employers love to see what you’ve done, not just read about it.
Customize your resume and cover letter. Don’t send the same resume to everyone. Pull keywords from the job description and mirror their language. Make sure your cover letter tells a story.
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- Tip: Use action verbs like “coordinated,” “led,” “designed,” and “analyzed” to make your experience pop!
- Check out this LinkedIn Learning resource: How to Write a Cover Letter
- The Harvard Resume & Cover Letter Guide is a polished, easy-to-follow resource with sample resumes and cover letters to help you format, structure, and strengthen your application materials. View the guide.
Prepare for interviews. Research common interview questions and prepare answers that highlight your strengths and experiences. Practice with friends or family members to improve your interview skills.
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- Tip: Make your answers story-driven: Situation → Action → Result.
Follow up. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours after an interview. Keep it short, specific to the interview and enthusiastic. If you don’t hear back after 1-2 weeks, it’s okay to follow up. It shows persistence and professionalism.
We all know the internship search can be very stressful. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, but remember, you’re not alone! If you’re building your first resume or cover letter, or walking into your first interview, we hope these tips will help you feel more confident and prepared every step of the way.
The post Stand Out & Get that Internship: Tips for College Students appeared first on College Success Foundation.
