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What are your best tips for applying to internships?

I have had some struggles with finding the right internships, from those who have gone through the process, what worked for you?

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Thank you comment icon Hey Anne, are you looking for internships in a specific field? Also, which grade are you in? Professional may have different advice depending on your information! Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Angelie’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Anne,

I understand your struggle to find the right internship. As David described, networking on LinkedIn and in your existing network will be a great resource. On LinkedIn, start with people with whom you have something in common, such as attending the same high school, coming from the same hometown, or sharing a mutual connection, to help get the ball rolling and build confidence. Even if the first person you talk with doesn't isn't able to point you to an internship opportunity, they may know someone else who can. If you're in college, look for alumni resources from your high school, and if you're in high school, great job on looking ahead, and think about asking teachers for resources.

Another opportunity you can research is whether your school offers funding for unpaid internships. Organizations will be more likely to hire someone with less experience if they are unpaid, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get compensated for your work. If it's available, getting external financial support may be a means of getting your foot in the door.
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David’s Answer

I think it can be a bit difficult and messy to get the attention of the right internship. I would highly recommend checking picking out ~5-8 internships that are most interesting to you (find them from your school's job boards) and make a spreadsheet to do some research about them and take thorough notes about each one. Companies will often boast about their internship programs on social media and their website, which can give you a feel for the size of the program and how long it's been running, as well as key players who might help consider you. Professionally and respectfully figuring out those back channels and networking or reaching out on LinkedIn can at least give you the best chance of full consideration.

Also consider if you have any peers/mentors a few years senior to you in school and find out what their internship experience and process was like - in some cases they may be able to connect you with the right program manager or internship boards you didn't consider.
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