How to Find a Summer Internship
- Indeed
- Jun 12, 2020
- 3 min read
Summers between school semesters can be an opportunity to relax, but you may also want to prepare yourself for entering the workforce. Getting a summer internship is one way to earn work experience and even some income. In this article, we will examine the details of paid and unpaid internships and discuss how to find a summer internship that fits your needs.
What are internships?
Internships can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and insight into a field that you are considering working in. If you’re a student or just starting your career, an internship can give you the experience that you need to prepare you to enter the workforce full time.
Internship opportunities are either paid or unpaid, with some unpaid internships earning other benefits such as college credit. While the traditional internship model entails working in exchange for experience instead of pay, paid internships are becoming more common. The availability of paid internships may depend on factors such as:
Industry or professional
Role responsibilities
Experience required
Length of internship
Inclusion of class credit
Deciding on a summer internship will depend on your preferences. If your priority is to gain experience, consider an unpaid internship. However, if income is a necessity, a paid internship might be the better option.
Read more: Definitive Guide to Internships
How to find a summer internship
Here are some steps to follow whether you’re seeking a paid or unpaid internship:
Start your search early
Research career industries
Search job boards
Use your professional network
Create an effective resume
Keep sending applications
Communicate with potential employers
1. Start your search early
If you want a summer internship, start preparing far in advance. For paid internships, it’s important to start your search at least six months out. Early applicants have an advantage in the process since employers are likely to notice them first. Some internship positions have early deadlines, so starting early ensures that you are taking advantage of all opportunities.
2. Research career industries
Outline your career goals, and identify the types of industries, companies and roles you want to pursue. If you’re interested in a variety of fields and roles, focus your search by making a list of pros and cons for each. Once finished, target your search to the two or three most appealing options.
3. Search job boards
Job listing sites can be a great resource for beginning your internship search because companies use these sites to attract a wide variety of highly qualified candidates. You can conduct general searches based on your intended location and title and optimize your search by using the advanced search filters.
Through the Indeed job board, you can use advanced search techniques to filter unpaid internships from your search results.
4. Use your professional network
Networking can help you more effectively find opportunities. The people in your network may know of internships not publicly listed or those not listed yet. If you have contacts in the industries you’re applying for, consider contacting them and asking if they know of available opportunities. Consider asking professors, academic advisors or your fellow classmates for more places to search for summer internships.
You can also use your professional network to collect letters of recommendation that can add more value to your application. Some internship applications may even require letters of recommendation. Consider asking someone who can endorse your skills, goals and qualifications to write a recommendation that you can submit along with your other application materials.
5. Create an effective resume
A resume is the first impression that potential employers will have of you. Even if you do not have much professional experience, there are ways to write a resume that highlights your qualifications for the internship. A student resume can include relevant coursework, hobbies that give you transferable skills or personal traits that will aid you in your professional life.
6. Keep sending applications
Even if you’re not receiving responses, continue to send out applications . You could also consider revisiting your list of industries and begin looking for internships in fields you may have taken off your list. You should also take this opportunity to see if you can strengthen any elements of your resume. For example, you may be able to write a more effective goal statement or skills list.
7. Communicate with potential employers
If you have questions about a job posting, consider contacting the hiring manager to ask them. Doing so can make a professional impression and allow you to decide whether the position will be a good fit for you. Asking thoughtful questions about a position can also demonstrate your dedication to obtaining an internship and being a vital contributor to the organization.
Getting a good summer internship requires planning and persistence. Though the process can be challenging, the experience that some internships provide will give you an excellent foundation to start a career in your industry of choice.
