How to Land an Internship During College

Internships are no longer nice-to-haves — they’re must-haves in paving the way to a successful career. As a career coach who has supported hundreds of students to secure internships and transition them into full-time roles, allow me to take you through what you need to do to land that first (or next) internship while still in college.

1) Early Birds – Not Last Year’s Stumbling Blocks!

One of the most common mistakes students commit is to think about doing an internship in their last year. The sooner you start, the more experience you can develop, no matter how modest at first.

For first- and second-year students, they should aim for:

  • Virtual internships

  • NGO work

  • Volunteering

  • Smaller startup roles

To gain hands-on experience, even if unpaid.

You have to realize, your experience is cumulative.

2) Define Your Learning Need

Before sending your résumé everywhere blindly, take a beat to think:

  1. What are the skills that I want to acquire?
  2. What industry am I interested in?
  3. Should I go for a technical or a non-technical position?
  4. Would I rather do it from home or in an office?

Being aware of your preferences and dislikes will enable you to be selective about how you apply, customize your resume and confidently prep to interview.

3) Create a Simple, But Powerful Resume

Even if you don’t have any internships yet, you can build a resume that makes you seem like a person who can get those jobs.

Focus on:

  • Academic projects

  • Online certificates (Coursera, Udemy, Google, etc.)

  • Freelance or volunteer work

  • Soft skills such as communication, problem solving, and leadership

Make sure it’s one page and cleanly laid out, and doesn’t have grammar mistakes. Use action verbs such as “developed,” “analyzed” or “created,” not passive ones.

4) Learn How to Get an Internship

There are various ways to uncover internships. You don’t need to be well-connected — you need to be well-searching.

Here are proven sources:

  • LinkedIn: Use the Jobs tab; set up job alerts and follow companies.

  • Internshala: Famous among Indian students.

  • Company websites: Search for “Careers” or “Internship” pages.

  • Graduation college placement cell: Use the network of your college and its alumni.

  • Cold Email: Send your resume and a brief pitch to startups/founders directly.

Even if you are not 100% of the way there, consider applying. Recruiters will find potential, not perfection.

5) Upskill in Your Free Time

Companies want interns who are hungry to learn and can make a contribution on Day 1.

If you have any time to spare, then start learning something:

  • Free online courses (Google, IBM, Harvard, etc.)

  • Creating a portfolio (i.e. GitHub projects, blogging, design samples, etc.)

  • Open Source contribution (Tech students in particular!)

Skills in demand include:
💡 Excel, Power BI, SQL, Canva, Figma, WordPress, Python, SEO, Social Media and others — depending on your interests.

6) Build Your Online Presence

If you’re not there online, you’re invisible to recruiters.

Start with:

  • LinkedIn: Like it or not, a LinkedIn profile is your online resume. Share your projects, certificates, and learning process.

  • GitHub / Behance / Medium: Depending on your industry, the presence of a portfolio changes everything.

However, if you are constantly sharing about your journey to making gains, people will be drawn to you.

7) Get Ready to Interview (Even If It’s Informal)

Don’t just send applications — start prepping for interviews from Day 1.

Typical internship interviews cover:

  • Your resume & projects

  • “Why this role?”

  • “What are your career goals?”

  • Basic technical or situational questions

Additionally, practicing through mock interviews with friends or mentors can also increase confidence.

And don’t forget — nothing beats honesty and passion.

8) Follow Up and Don’t Be Discouraged

It’s typical not to hear back after applying. Don’t lose motivation.

Follow up nicely 7–10 days later and apply for new roles.

Treat every application as practice. Every time you hear no brings you closer to yes.

9) Last Thoughts From Your Career Coach

Your first internship will be challenging to land, but remember, anyone you look up to started with no experience, as well.

The secret is to remain curious, committed and confident.

Focus your aims on learning, not just earning. Every skill you acquire, every relationship you build, every hour you put into growth — it will all lead to opportunities you have not yet seen.

So don’t wait. Start today.

Because the best time to grow your career is right now.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on internships, job opportunities, and career tips.

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