How to Get a Summer Internship: Guide

While you might be looking forward to the summers between school semesters to relax and enjoy yourself, you might also want to take advantage of that time to start preparing for the workforce. Current and recent graduates can use summer internships to gain helpful work and life experience. 

Nowadays, more employers prefer resumes with internship experience; however, if you have no experience but would still like to land an internship, read our article with tips on how to get an internship with no experience. A productive internship can serve as your career’s springboard. Finding and seizing the ideal chance, though, can seem complicated. 

So, you might have questions about how to get a summer internship. Is it hard to get a summer internship? What do I need for a summer internship? To answer these questions, we have prepared a guide to address all of your concerns and launch you on an amazing career journey.

What Is an Internship?

An internship can provide the expertise you need to get ready to enter the workforce full-time, whether you are a student or are starting your career. Gaining practical experience and insight into a field you are interested in can be accomplished through internships. 

Interns typically have a defined job function and responsibilities to fulfill, unlike more flexible work experience or volunteer labor. Usually, public openings for these positions include a formal application procedure (work experience, on the other hand, is often organized on an ad hoc basis).

Among the many benefits of internships are the possibility to commit for a brief period to see whether your chosen career path is appropriate for you, the advantage it gives you for future employment, and the increased networking opportunities.

Steps to Getting a Summer Internship

What summer internship you choose will depend on your preferences, and applying for it will require time, effort, and advance planning. We will now discuss some concrete actions you can take to land a summer internship.

Start early and assess your interests

It is crucial to start looking for internships at least six months in advance. Hiring managers may get hundreds or even thousands of internship applications each year. Early applicants have an advantage over later ones since hiring managers will probably notice them first. Getting a head start on the competition is one of the simplest ways to win.

Be aware that some fields and internships have early deadlines for applications. So, what is the best time to apply for a summer internship? Some businesses may start recruiting and hiring for a summer internship as early as November. You have more lead time before the summer months if you start your internship search during the winter break. 

Research

To decide on where you want to apply for an internship, you need to do your research. Examine the internship application procedure at each organization. You must know their required documentation, deadlines, the right way to reach them, and significant follow-up dates.

Outline your professional objectives and specify the sectors, businesses, and job positions you want to pursue. Make a list of the benefits and drawbacks of each field and role you are interested in. Doing so will narrow your search to two or three choices.

Additionally, job listing websites are an excellent place to start your search for an internship, as businesses use them to draw in a wide range of highly qualified applicants. Based on your target location and title, you can run generic searches and refine your search by applying advanced search filters.

Consult with your uni’s advisors

It is essential to make the most of all your opportunities to secure a summer internship. Ask your teachers, academic advisors, or classmates for additional resources to help you find summer internships. Consider getting a recommendation in writing that you can send with your other application documents from someone who can attest to your skills, objectives, and qualifications. 

You can also search LinkedIn for other former interns now working for these companies. Ask if any of them would be open to meeting you for coffee to discuss what it’s like to work there and what kinds of people they are seeking for.

Draw on your network and expand it

You can more easily find chances by networking. People in your network might be aware of internships that are not publicly published or not yet listed. Consider reaching out to your contacts in the industry you are applying to and asking if they know of any openings. 

In addition to having a reliable reference, having personal contact at a company allows you to learn when they are hiring and what kind of interns they prefer. Even if you do not know anyone who works in your particular industry, ask for assistance still because they could know someone. 

Check to see if these CEOs will be present at any upcoming local speaking engagements or job fairs so you can approach them and establish a connection.

Visit employers

Finding out about employment options with local businesses in the area where you will be spending the summer is a great way to start exploring internship possibilities. Think about going in person, especially if it is a small business. If you are lucky, you will get to talk with the program manager and get a head start on making a positive impression. 

Consider getting in touch with the hiring manager to ask them any questions you may have regarding a job posting. Making a solid first impression can help you determine whether the role is a good fit for you. You can show that you are serious about getting an internship and becoming an important team member by asking insightful questions about a position.

Prepare a compelling resume and cover letter

It is advisable to start working on your internship resume and possibly your cover letter since these are the first two things a hiring manager will go through. There are strategies to write a resume that shows your qualifications for the internship, even if you lack considerable professional experience. 

A student’s resume may highlight relevant extracurricular activities that help him develop transferrable skills or character attributes that will help him in the workplace. Additionally, having a resume and cover letter ready allows you to submit applications as soon as openings in the late summer and early autumn go live.

Gather all documents and apply

Depending on your chosen position, the number of documents needed varies. For example, you might need a portfolio if you are applying for an interior designer internship, in addition to a resume and cover letter. 

You should carefully read all instructions and adequately submit the required documents. Be aware that the application procedure for each internship will take a few hours. Make sure to give yourself enough time to submit applications for several internship opportunities before the deadlines. 

Making a spreadsheet to document all applications filed, what was submitted for each position, any particularly essential dates, and when you intend to follow up is a fantastic way to stay organized.

Prepare your interview

When you finally secure an interview, you should prepare to ace it. Have you dressed appropriately for business? Are you ready to discuss your past experiences and future goals when questioned? 

Practice makes perfect. Put on your best professional attire and ask a friend or member of your family to participate in a practice interview. Make sure you record your mock interviews. See if there is anything you can change or sharpen throughout the playback.

This is the time to demonstrate to the hiring manager exactly where you will provide value by identifying the company’s pain spots, making you a very valuable recruit. Learn about the company’s ethos, standing in the industry, and distinctive offerings. This will enable you to impress the interviewer and ask insightful inquiries.

Do not give up

Planning and perseverance are necessary to land a top-notch summer internship. Even if the procedure can be difficult, the experience that some internships offer will give you a great starting point for a career in the field of your choice. 

Even if you have your eye on a great job, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Send out many applications for internships. If you have any issues with the application process, get in touch with the hiring manager unless you have been told explicitly not to. Getting it right the first time is best, and a friendly email dialogue in advance can aid your professional image-building.

After the interview process or if you have not heard back within the allotted time, consider sending a formal follow-up email. You want to demonstrate your passion for the position without annoying them with a barrage of unsolicited emails, so be persistent but not intrusive. And if you were offered the internship, remember that you will still have to formally accept or decline the offer after considering

Wrapping Up

Finishing an internship during the summer will provide the foundation for your future career. Not only will it give you insight into whether the career path you have selected is the best fit for you, but it will also be a huge plus for your resume. Follow our guide so you can obtain a summer internship and get the experience you want.