Why Do an Internship?
Internships are one of the most valuable experiences you can have during your college years. They bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, giving you hands-on experience that employers value highly.
70%
of interns receive full-time job offers
56%
higher starting salary for those with internships
85%
of employers prefer candidates with internship experience
Key Benefits of Internships
Gain Real-World Experience
Apply classroom knowledge to actual business challenges and learn how industries operate.
Build Your Professional Network
Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who can help advance your career.
Explore Career Paths
Test different industries and roles to discover what truly interests you before committing.
Strengthen Your Resume
Stand out from other candidates with practical experience employers are looking for.
Develop Soft Skills
Improve communication, teamwork, time management, and professional etiquette.
Potential Job Offers
Many companies use internships as a pipeline for full-time hiring after graduation.
Diversity in Internships
Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in their workforce. Many Fortune 500 companies have dedicated diversity internship programs specifically designed to recruit talented students from underrepresented backgrounds.
These programs often include mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities tailored to help diverse candidates succeed and advance in their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking for internships?
Start looking 3-6 months before you want to begin your internship. Many large companies recruit in the fall for summer internships. However, smaller companies may hire on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Do I need experience to get an internship?
No! Internships are designed to help you gain experience. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, projects, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills from part-time jobs or volunteer work.
Are unpaid internships worth it?
It depends on the value of the experience. Consider the learning opportunities, mentorship, networking potential, and how it aligns with your career goals. However, many quality internships are paid, so don't assume unpaid is your only option.
How many hours per week do interns typically work?
Full-time summer internships are typically 35-40 hours per week. Part-time internships during the school year usually range from 10-20 hours per week, designed to accommodate your class schedule.
Can I do a remote internship?
Yes! Since 2020, remote internships have become much more common. Many companies offer hybrid or fully remote options. Remote internships can be a great way to work with companies outside your geographic area.
What if my internship isn't in my major?
That's completely fine! Many skills are transferable across industries. An internship in a different field can help you discover new interests, develop versatile skills, and make you a more well-rounded candidate.
How do I ask for a full-time offer after my internship?
Express your interest to your manager mid-way through the internship. Ask about the conversion process and timeline. Continue to perform well, seek feedback, and build relationships. Many companies make offers in the final weeks of the internship.
Resume Building Tips
Your resume is often your first impression with employers. Make it count with these proven strategies.
Resume Essentials
- Keep it to one page - As a student or recent graduate, one page is sufficient and preferred.
- Use a clean, professional format - Simple fonts (Arial, Calibri), consistent spacing, clear sections.
- Include contact information - Name, phone, professional email, LinkedIn URL, city/state.
- Lead with education - As a student, put education near the top with expected graduation date, GPA (if 3.0+), and relevant coursework.
Writing Strong Bullet Points
Use the Action Verb + Task + Result formula:
Example:
Weak: "Responsible for social media"
Strong: "Managed Instagram account, increasing followers by 45% and engagement by 60% over 3 months through strategic content planning"
Power Action Verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb:
- Leadership: Led, Directed, Coordinated, Managed, Supervised
- Achievement: Achieved, Increased, Improved, Exceeded, Delivered
- Creation: Developed, Designed, Created, Built, Launched
- Analysis: Analyzed, Researched, Evaluated, Assessed, Identified
- Communication: Presented, Collaborated, Negotiated, Influenced
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spelling and grammar errors (always proofread!)
- Using personal pronouns (I, me, my)
- Including high school information (after freshman year)
- Using an unprofessional email address
- Listing duties instead of accomplishments
Building Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is essential for professional networking and job searching. Over 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates.
Profile Photo
- Use a professional headshot with good lighting
- Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
- Smile and look approachable
- Use a simple, non-distracting background
- Make sure your face takes up 60% of the frame
Headline
Your headline appears everywhere on LinkedIn. Make it descriptive, not just your job title.
Examples:
Basic: "Student at Howard University"
Better: "Marketing Student at Howard University | Seeking Summer 2026 Internship | Social Media & Content Creation"
About Section
Write a compelling summary (2-3 paragraphs) that covers:
- Who you are and what you're studying
- Your key skills and interests
- What you're looking for (internship, full-time role)
- What makes you unique
Experience Section
- Include all relevant experience: jobs, internships, volunteer work, campus involvement
- Use bullet points with accomplishments (similar to your resume)
- Add media: presentations, projects, articles you've written
Networking Tips
- Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals you meet
- Personalize connection requests with a brief note
- Engage with posts by commenting thoughtfully
- Join groups related to your industry or interests
- Follow companies you're interested in working for
Preparing for Career Fairs
Career fairs are excellent opportunities to meet multiple employers in one place and make lasting impressions.
Before the Fair
- Research attending companies - Know which ones interest you and learn about their internship programs
- Prepare your elevator pitch - A 30-60 second introduction about yourself
- Update your resume - Print 15-20 copies on quality paper
- Plan your outfit - Business professional or business casual depending on the event
- Prepare questions - Have thoughtful questions ready for recruiters
Your Elevator Pitch
Template:
"Hi, I'm [Name], a [Year] [Major] student at [University]. I'm interested in [Industry/Role] because [Reason]. I've developed skills in [Relevant Skills] through [Experience]. I'm excited to learn more about [Company's] internship opportunities."
During the Fair
- Arrive early to beat the crowds
- Start with companies you're less interested in to warm up
- Make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm handshake
- Ask about the application process and timeline
- Collect business cards or contact information
- Take notes on conversations immediately after
After the Fair
- Send thank-you emails within 24-48 hours
- Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn
- Apply online as directed by the recruiter
- Reference your conversation in your application
Questions to Ask Recruiters
- "What does a typical day look like for an intern?"
- "What qualities do successful interns at your company have?"
- "What projects might an intern work on?"
- "What's the timeline for your internship hiring process?"
- "Does the company offer mentorship for interns?"
Interview Tips & Sample Questions
Preparation is key to interview success. Know what to expect and practice your responses.
Before the Interview
- Research the company - Mission, values, recent news, products/services
- Review the job description - Identify key requirements and prepare examples
- Practice common questions - Use the STAR method for behavioral questions
- Prepare questions to ask - Shows genuine interest
- Test your technology - For virtual interviews, check camera, mic, and internet
The STAR Method
Use this framework for behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when..."):
STAR Framework:
Situation - Set the context
Task - Describe your responsibility
Action - Explain what you did
Result - Share the outcome (quantify when possible)
Common Interview Questions
- "Tell me about yourself."
- "Why are you interested in this internship/company?"
- "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"
- "Tell me about a time you worked on a team."
- "Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it."
- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
- "Why should we hire you?"
Behavioral Questions to Prepare For
- "Tell me about a time you showed leadership."
- "Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline."
- "Give an example of when you had to learn something quickly."
- "Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism."
- "Describe a project you're proud of and your role in it."
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
- "What does success look like in this role?"
- "How would you describe the team culture?"
- "What opportunities for learning and development are available?"
- "What are the next steps in the interview process?"
- "Is there anything about my background you'd like me to clarify?"
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
- Reiterate your interest and reference specific conversation points
- If you don't hear back by the stated timeline, follow up politely
