By Elizabeth Bova
In college internships are a major stepping stone in building your resume for a post-graduate career. These roles typically offer valuable, entry-level experience, between 6-12 weeks to gain skills and have networking opportunities. However, securing an internship can be difficult in today’s competitive job market. In order to succeed, here are a few strategies that can help you land your dream internship.
1. Begin the Process Early and Stay Organized
Many companies begin recruiting for internship positions several months in advance, with some operating on a rolling application basis. To maximize your opportunities, start researching and applying for internships well ahead of deadlines. Maintain a structured approach by organizing application details in a spreadsheet, including deadlines, submission statuses, and follow-up actions. I use a spreadsheet and have a column to keep track of actions I need to complete and what stage of the application process I’m currently in for each role.
2. Develop a Strong, Tailored Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should be concise, achievement-oriented, and tailored to the specific internship role and company. Highlight relevant coursework, leadership experience, technical skills, and quantifiable accomplishments. It’s best to have numbers that show the highlights of your roles. This catches the reader’s eye and can help you stand out. Additionally, your cover letter should go beyond restating your resume. It should tell a compelling narrative about why you are an ideal candidate for the position. Mention company values and other aspects of the company that interest you in order to stand out.
3. Leverage Networking and Professional Connections
A significant number of internship opportunities are filled through referrals rather than public job postings. Engaging with professors, alumni, career advisors, and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and potential recommendations. Attending career fairs, networking events, and virtual industry panels can also help establish meaningful professional relationships. One of the best ways to network is through informational interviews with employees at your goal company. They can give you extra information and potentially be a reference when you apply.
4. Prepare for Interviews with a Strategic Approach
Interview preparation is crucial for demonstrating professionalism and competency. Research the company’s mission, values, and recent developments to tailor your responses effectively. In 2025 we have access to AI, like Chat GPT, that can act as an interviewer and ask you questions tailored to that specific role. This has helped me in the past when I was applying for interviews.
5. Follow Up and Maintain Professional Persistence
Following an interview, sending a thank-you email within 24 hours is essential for reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role. If you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe, a professional follow-up email can demonstrate continued interest while respecting the employer’s decision-making process. Maintaining professional courtesies is extremely important in any scenario, but it can make a big difference in the competitive market seen today.
Securing an internship can be difficult and it requires a combination of preparation, networking, and persistence. By beginning the process early, refining application materials, using connections, preparing for interviews, and following up with professionalism, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a meaningful internship experience.
Happy Valley Comm 