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How can I apply to various internships in places like Google, Microsoft, ISRO, IISC etc while pursuing a bachelor's degree from a not-so-great college?

I am currently about to start my 2nd year in a bachelor's degree in Data Science from a tier-3 college in Navi Mumbai. I'm currently taking online MOOC courses in programming and data science from MIT, Harvard, Coursera, University of Helsinki etc to supplement my college learning and I'm working on projects too on the side. I've seen various profiles on LinkedIn of students in good colleges having secured internships in companies like Google, Microsoft and ISRO. Is it possible for a student in a not-so-good college to secure one of these too, or am I dreaming too big at the moment? Also any tips (or even a timeline if you have any), on how I might go about would be greatly appreciated!

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Subject: Career question for you

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Wayne’s Answer

Hey Momin! You’ve got this! Students like you, working towards a bachelor’s degree, can definitely land internships at big companies. Here’s how you can do it:

- Start Early: Aim to get a head start. Many top internships have early deadlines, usually in the fall for the next summer. Begin your research and get your application ready ahead of time.

- Build a Strong Resume: Show off your academic achievements, skills, and activities. Customize your resume for each internship, focusing on what they’re looking for.

- Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Express your enthusiasm for the internship and the company. Highlight how your skills match their needs and what you can bring to the table.

- Network Strategically: Go to career fairs, workshops, and online events. Connect with recruiters and professionals. Follow them on social media and engage with their posts.

- Seek Referrals: Reach out to professors, mentors, or anyone with connections at these companies. A referral can really make your application stand out.

- Explore Internship Platforms: Use sites like LinkedIn, Internshala, Indeed, and company career pages to find and apply for internships.

- Prepare for Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Work on your interview skills, both technical and behavioral. Be ready to talk about your experiences and goals with confidence.

- Don’t Be Discouraged by Rejections: It’s a tough process, but don’t let rejections get you down. Learn from each one and keep trying.

Remember, getting an internship at a top company is tough but totally doable with hard work and a smart plan.

Good luck! You can do it!
Thank you comment icon I'll make sure to keep these points in mind moving forward. Thank you for the detailed answer! Momin
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Karan’s Answer

Hi Momin,

With the kind and amount of effort you're putting, you are definitely the right candidate for applying in these opportunities.
A major aspect that the recruiters at aforementioned organizations look out for is "Initiative". Something which you are displaying plenty of.

Keep working in this direction and work on other things as mentioned in Wayne's answer!

Best of Luck!
Thank you comment icon I'm feeling validated that I might be working on the right track. Taking initiative is something I'll definitely continue to keep in mind, moving forward. Thanks a ton for your kind words of motivation! Momin
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Alex’s Answer

Don't feel discouraged. Going to a top school doesn't mean you'll definitely succeed. It just gives you some extra tools or better advice for getting ready for the world. Companies get hundreds of CVs, so try to make yours stand out. Do a little exercise: check out 10 CVs and ask friends for examples. If you had a company, which ones would you choose? Who catches your eye?

When getting ready for an interview, use stories to show your achievements. These stories can reveal your soft skills and other traits. Practice with an AI chat bot to see how well you answer questions. In the end, you control how you want others to see you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. Using stories to showcase one's achievements and skills sounds like such a great idea, that just might be the secret sauce that makes one candidate more memorable and visible than the other when it comes down to selection. I'll make sure to practice this skill! Momin
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