How to Get an Internship in College And Choose the Right One
Getting an Internship Is Easy.
Getting the right internship? That’s a different story.
If you're a college student gearing up for life after graduation, it’s not enough to check a box for “real-world experience.” You want an internship that moves you closer to your goals—whether that’s building your résumé, getting a foot in the door at a dream company, or figuring out what career path not to pursue.
So let's start with something you might not expect:
If you have to, take an internship that doesn’t pay.
It could be one of the smartest long-term investments you ever make.
A Mistake I Made in College
When I was a broke college kid, I worked part-time at a local sign shop just to make rent. When it came time to find an internship, I focused only on the ones that paid. Seemed like the logical thing to do.
At the time, my dream was to work in radio. But every major station in New York City had unpaid internships. So I ignored them.
And that was a huge mistake.
I missed the opportunity to build connections and get a big-name company on my résumé—simply because I couldn’t see past the short-term paycheck.
That experience taught me a critical career lesson: The best internships aren’t always the ones that pay. They’re the ones that lead somewhere.
What You'll Learn in This Blog
Here’s what we’re covering in detail:
✅ How to get an internship in college (step-by-step)
✅ What to expect once you land the role
✅ How to succeed—and turn it into a long-term career asset
✅ Real-world stories that help you avoid common mistakes
✅ A sample internship timeline to help you stay on track
How to Get an Internship in College: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Know the Requirements
Start by visiting your college’s career center or internship coordinator. Many programs require an internship to graduate. If yours doesn’t, that’s okay—you should still do one.
Talk to your advisor about how to fit an internship into your academic plan, especially if you’re juggling a heavy course load or part-time job.
Step 2: Create a Student-Friendly Résumé
Even with limited work experience, you can build a strong one-page résumé.
Include:
Relevant coursework
Part-time or summer jobs
Volunteer experience
Leadership roles or clubs
Any technical or creative skills you’ve developed
🧠 Pro Tip (SEO + ATS-Friendly): Use keywords like “college internship,” “junior,” “student intern,” “entry-level,” and “career development” so your résumé is searchable on career platforms like Handshake or LinkedIn.
Step 3: Skip Job Boards. Go Where Internships Actually Happen.
While sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter aren’t totally useless, your best internship leads will likely come from:
Campus career fairs and employer info sessions
Networking events hosted by your department
Alumni connections on LinkedIn
Professors with industry experience or contacts
Cold outreach to local businesses or nonprofits
📧 Sample Outreach Email:
Hi [Name],
I'm a [Year] student at [University] majoring in [Your Major], and I admire the work your team does at [Company Name]. I'd love the opportunity to intern, even in a small capacity. Would you be open to a brief chat about possible opportunities?
You don’t need to wait for a listing to apply. Just ask.
Step 4: Nail the Interview
Even if it’s a “casual chat,” treat every internship interview like a real one.
✅ Prepare to explain why you’re interested
✅ Research the company beforehand
✅ Ask smart questions that show curiosity
✅ Practice telling short stories that show growth or leadership
✅ Be confident, not cocky
Employers hire interns for attitude, coachability, and energy, not just skill.
What to Expect During Your Internship
Not every internship is exciting. Some are even boring. But there’s always something to learn—if you know what to look for.
My First Internship Was... Weird
I landed an internship at a NYC news station. Big name, big expectations.
But some days, there was literally nothing to do. I sat in a cubicle, walked around, played Solitaire, and occasionally looked for a hot chocolate machine.
I tried offering to help. I asked around. But no one really had anything for me.
Here’s what I wish I had known: You have to be your own advocate in an internship. The best experiences are often the ones you create.
What a Good Internship Looks Like
Ask yourself:
Do I have a clear supervisor or mentor?
Are there defined tasks or goals?
Will I get feedback on my work?
Are there learning opportunities, team meetings, or events?
Am I working with people who enjoy what they do?
✅ If yes, you're in the right place.
❌ If no, it's still an opportunity to learn—but you may need to create more structure yourself.
How to Succeed in Any Internship
Want to turn your internship into a job offer or glowing reference? Here's how:
✅ Be Proactive
Don’t wait to be told what to do. If you finish something, ask, “Is there anything else I can help with?” Offer to shadow someone or learn a new tool.
✅ Track Your Wins
Keep a simple spreadsheet of projects, feedback, and key takeaways. It’ll help you update your résumé, LinkedIn, and even answer future interview questions.
✅ Build Real Relationships
Say hello. Ask team members about their career path. Thank them for their time. Those connections can lead to job leads, references, or future mentorship.
What If You Don’t Like Your Internship?
That’s okay. That’s still valuable insight.
At another internship, I worked for an NBA team. Part of my job? Watching full games and logging key plays. Sounded fun—until I was working until midnight multiple nights a week.
I realized I didn’t love the work. I even hoped the team wouldn’t make the playoffs so my internship would end sooner.
That internship helped me realize: This isn't for me. And that clarity is priceless.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: What's the Real Deal?
Here’s the truth:
Paid internships are great, especially in tech, finance, or engineering.
Unpaid internships still dominate in media, nonprofit, entertainment, and some government sectors.
If it’s unpaid, make sure you’re getting something in return:
✅ Real projects
✅ A credible company on your résumé
✅ A network of people to learn from
✅ A foot in the door for a full-time role
Just make sure your finances can handle it. If not, look for hybrid roles or ask about flexible hours so you can work another job too.
A Sample College Internship Timeline (Junior or Senior Year)
MonthAction ItemJanuaryUpdate résumé and LinkedInFebruaryAttend networking events, info sessionsMarchStart applying, prepare for interviewsAprilFollow up, confirm start datesMay – AugustIntern, log progress, build relationshipsEnd of InternshipRequest references, write thank-yous, update résumé
Final Thoughts: Internships Are a Career Investment
An internship is more than just “something to do over the summer.” It’s your first real step into the professional world. Treat it that way.
Here’s your checklist one more time:
🔲 Start early and build your résumé
🔲 Prioritize learning and mentorship over pay
🔲 Be the most prepared, proactive intern in the room
🔲 Build real relationships and ask good questions
🔲 Use every experience—even the bad ones—to clarify your path
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You’ve only got one first internship. Let’s make it count.