5 answers
Jonas
Student
Rock Spring, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
972 views
What is the best way to land an internship/research position in college?
What is the best approach to obtaining a position within a college research program, co-op program, internship, or anything of the like? I hope to apply and obtain a position in some area similar to these and would like to know more about how to go about obtaining one. How should one prepare for an interview? Where would one look for such programs? How should one go about making a resume directed towards the specific position sought after?
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5 answers
Anna Kelly
HR Consultant
8
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Anna’s Answer
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about gaining experience through research, co-ops, or internships. Start by checking your university’s career services and job boards regularly—many schools post research assistant roles and internship openings there. You can also reach out directly to professors whose work interests you and ask if they need research assistants or know of any upcoming opportunities. When preparing for interviews, research the lab or organization, be ready to explain why you’re interested, and highlight skills you bring—even if it’s just curiosity, strong work habits, or related coursework. For your resume, tailor it to each position by emphasizing transferable skills like teamwork, time management, or data analysis, even from school projects or part-time work. Finally, keep asking questions and networking like you’re doing now. Informational interviews with professionals can give you insight into what the work is really like and how to navigate different paths. The more you stay proactive and open-minded, the more opportunities you’ll uncover!
Haumshini Rajagopal
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Haumshini’s Answer
Hey Jonas! I’ve made a simple guide to help you find internships or research spots. Hope it’s useful!
1. Where to Look: Start by checking your Career Center or department website. Sign up on sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, or Indeed for job listings. Don’t forget to network—your professors or their students might know of opportunities.
2. Prepare for the Interview: Learn about the job, company, and team. Be ready to show your skills and any experience you have. Think of examples for questions about teamwork or solving problems.
3. Resumes: Customize your resume to highlight relevant classes and skills. Use strong action words and keep it to one page.
You can also ask your professors if they need an intern for their research. Apply early, especially if deadlines are soon.
Good luck!
1. Where to Look: Start by checking your Career Center or department website. Sign up on sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, or Indeed for job listings. Don’t forget to network—your professors or their students might know of opportunities.
2. Prepare for the Interview: Learn about the job, company, and team. Be ready to show your skills and any experience you have. Think of examples for questions about teamwork or solving problems.
3. Resumes: Customize your resume to highlight relevant classes and skills. Use strong action words and keep it to one page.
You can also ask your professors if they need an intern for their research. Apply early, especially if deadlines are soon.
Good luck!
Robert Wen
Build and Release Engineer
9
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Robert’s Answer
When creating your resume, consider any projects you've done at home, school, volunteering, or part-time jobs. Think about how you contributed and who benefited from your work. It's important to clearly explain what you did, how you did it, and the impact of your actions.
For internships, check if your school offers any programs, as they can be a great starting point. Also, use job search sites like LinkedIn to find opportunities.
For internships, check if your school offers any programs, as they can be a great starting point. Also, use job search sites like LinkedIn to find opportunities.
Amey Kapadia
Treasury Management Sales
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amey’s Answer
Start by leveraging the existing resources around you. This includes your school's career portal and clubs/organizations on campus. Clubs will host networking events and panels where you can meet industry professionals and will often offer unique internship opportunities to their members.
Outside of this, you can also use LinkedIn as a resource. Search up alumni or upper classmen from your school who are working in the fields you're interested in and simply see where they interned. They will also be more inclined to talk to you/offer advice as you're attending the same school.
Lastly, you can use google to search up "the type of company you're looking for" + "your desired location". For example, I would search up "asset management firms NYC". Google map listing is a neat trick to see a complete list of companies in the area, and you can simply go on their website to search for internship opportunities. If they have none, find an employee (preferably alum or recent grad) and reach out through LinkedIn. Especially as a freshman or sophomore, internships are harder to come by so certain companies offer informal programs that aren't posted on LinkedIn or job websites.
The common theme between these methods is networking. You have to start making connections with your peers, upper classmen, and alumni to get your name out there and show your interest. As you begin to build those connections, it will open up opportunities down the line. For resume, I would recommend using the "investment Banking" template from Mergers and Inquisition website.
Outside of this, you can also use LinkedIn as a resource. Search up alumni or upper classmen from your school who are working in the fields you're interested in and simply see where they interned. They will also be more inclined to talk to you/offer advice as you're attending the same school.
Lastly, you can use google to search up "the type of company you're looking for" + "your desired location". For example, I would search up "asset management firms NYC". Google map listing is a neat trick to see a complete list of companies in the area, and you can simply go on their website to search for internship opportunities. If they have none, find an employee (preferably alum or recent grad) and reach out through LinkedIn. Especially as a freshman or sophomore, internships are harder to come by so certain companies offer informal programs that aren't posted on LinkedIn or job websites.
The common theme between these methods is networking. You have to start making connections with your peers, upper classmen, and alumni to get your name out there and show your interest. As you begin to build those connections, it will open up opportunities down the line. For resume, I would recommend using the "investment Banking" template from Mergers and Inquisition website.
Annamalai Perianan
Consultant
13
Answers
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Updated
Annamalai’s Answer
Hi Jonas,
You're already on the right track by being proactive .
I’d recommend starting with a strong resume. Try to get it reviewed by professionals with experience in your target field. Next, focus on networking, schedule coffee chats with people at various levels to better understand both the role and the company culture. These conversations can also help get your name in the door.
For interviews, practice speaking confidently about your experiences. Use the STAR method to structure your answers based on the bullet points in your resume. Make sure to prepare for common behavioral questions and tailor your responses to the role you're applying for.
In terms of applications, check company careers pages regularly as well as broader job boards. If your college offers career resources or mentorship programs, definitely take advantage of those. A well-crafted cover letter can also help personalize your application and show alignment with the role.
Most importantly, stay calm, show genuine curiosity, and keep being proactive. That attitude goes a long way.
Wishing you all the best in your search!
You're already on the right track by being proactive .
I’d recommend starting with a strong resume. Try to get it reviewed by professionals with experience in your target field. Next, focus on networking, schedule coffee chats with people at various levels to better understand both the role and the company culture. These conversations can also help get your name in the door.
For interviews, practice speaking confidently about your experiences. Use the STAR method to structure your answers based on the bullet points in your resume. Make sure to prepare for common behavioral questions and tailor your responses to the role you're applying for.
In terms of applications, check company careers pages regularly as well as broader job boards. If your college offers career resources or mentorship programs, definitely take advantage of those. A well-crafted cover letter can also help personalize your application and show alignment with the role.
Most importantly, stay calm, show genuine curiosity, and keep being proactive. That attitude goes a long way.
Wishing you all the best in your search!