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How to receive my first internship as a college junior?
As an incoming junior, how can I receive my first internship to break into business, finance, computer science, or data analysis roles? I come from a non target school and am a first generation college student.
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7 answers
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Pedro,
Congratulations on taking the steps to become a first-generation college graduate. This alone shows you have the resilience needed to succeed in the business sector.
It helps to start by learning the basic skills that companies look for. Things like Excel, Python, SQL, or even making charts in Tableau can go a long way. Free courses online or class projects can be used to show what someone knows, even without job experience.
When applying, it’s a good idea to look beyond big-name companies. Smaller businesses, nonprofits, and startups are often more open to new talent. Sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, and AngelList are great for finding these types of internships.
Networking also makes a big difference. That doesn’t mean having a huge contact list—it just means reaching out to alumni, professors, or people in the field and asking for advice. Most people are happy to help, especially if someone shows they’re serious and respectful.
School career centers are another useful resource. Even if the school isn’t well-known, career advisors can help with resumes, interview tips, and pointing out opportunities students might not find on their own.
At the end of the day, coming from a non-traditional background isn’t a weakness—it can actually be a strength. First-gen students often know how to work hard, figure things out on their own, and stay focused. With the right steps and some persistence, that first internship is definitely within reach.
All the best,
Wyatt
Congratulations on taking the steps to become a first-generation college graduate. This alone shows you have the resilience needed to succeed in the business sector.
It helps to start by learning the basic skills that companies look for. Things like Excel, Python, SQL, or even making charts in Tableau can go a long way. Free courses online or class projects can be used to show what someone knows, even without job experience.
When applying, it’s a good idea to look beyond big-name companies. Smaller businesses, nonprofits, and startups are often more open to new talent. Sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, and AngelList are great for finding these types of internships.
Networking also makes a big difference. That doesn’t mean having a huge contact list—it just means reaching out to alumni, professors, or people in the field and asking for advice. Most people are happy to help, especially if someone shows they’re serious and respectful.
School career centers are another useful resource. Even if the school isn’t well-known, career advisors can help with resumes, interview tips, and pointing out opportunities students might not find on their own.
At the end of the day, coming from a non-traditional background isn’t a weakness—it can actually be a strength. First-gen students often know how to work hard, figure things out on their own, and stay focused. With the right steps and some persistence, that first internship is definitely within reach.
All the best,
Wyatt
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi Pedro.
First, kudos to you for making a big step in getting a college education. Congratulations - your family must be very proud of you. Second, I would work on getting the best grades in relevant coursework, in the industy that you would like to enter. Third, it would also make sense to join a club at your school (investment club, etc), if that exists. Fourth, I would use your school resources, to see if there are any alumni that work in the companies or the fields in which you are seeking an internship. Fifth, if that does not pan out, I would jump on the phone or email recruiters at companies that you wish to join. Best of luck.
First, kudos to you for making a big step in getting a college education. Congratulations - your family must be very proud of you. Second, I would work on getting the best grades in relevant coursework, in the industy that you would like to enter. Third, it would also make sense to join a club at your school (investment club, etc), if that exists. Fourth, I would use your school resources, to see if there are any alumni that work in the companies or the fields in which you are seeking an internship. Fifth, if that does not pan out, I would jump on the phone or email recruiters at companies that you wish to join. Best of luck.
Updated
Dzejna’s Answer
Hi Pedro,
Congrats on your journey to becoming the first in your family to graduate from college! I'm excited to help since I've been in your shoes too. When it comes to internships, networking is key. Be open to different opportunities that match your interests, as this will help you explore various fields and meet people who might help you later on.
Colleges often have up-to-date resources for internships, so keep an eye on those. Also, larger companies usually offer internships throughout the year, and it's smart to look out for summer applications in early spring. These internships can often lead to full-time jobs after graduation. However, don't overlook smaller companies, as they offer great learning experiences and flexibility.
Being a first-generation student, you have the drive to succeed, and that determination will take you far. Good luck!
Congrats on your journey to becoming the first in your family to graduate from college! I'm excited to help since I've been in your shoes too. When it comes to internships, networking is key. Be open to different opportunities that match your interests, as this will help you explore various fields and meet people who might help you later on.
Colleges often have up-to-date resources for internships, so keep an eye on those. Also, larger companies usually offer internships throughout the year, and it's smart to look out for summer applications in early spring. These internships can often lead to full-time jobs after graduation. However, don't overlook smaller companies, as they offer great learning experiences and flexibility.
Being a first-generation student, you have the drive to succeed, and that determination will take you far. Good luck!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Step-by-Step: How to Land Your First Internship
Pick 1-2 Focus Areas
You mentioned business, finance, CS, and data analysis. These areas are related but require slightly different skillsets and keywords on resumes.
Start with:
• Primary: e.g., Data Analysis or Finance
IMPORTANT: If it were me ...I would first explore the area of data science because that field is exploding especially with the growth of AI.
• Backup: e.g., Business Ops or CS Support Roles
• Don’t try to apply to everything at once. Specializing helps you target your resume, courses, and outreach.
Build a Targeted Resume (Even Without Experience)
What to include:
• Relevant coursework (e.g., Intro to Stats, Python, Accounting)
• Academic or personal projects (built a website? analyzed data in Excel or Python?)
• Club involvement (business club, coding club, investment society)
• Volunteer work or part-time jobs — emphasize transferable skills like communication, leadership, and analysis
Make it skills-based, not just experience-based. Let me know if you'd like a custom template.
Apply to Entry-Level or Exploratory Internships
Use these platforms:
• Handshake – best for college students
• LinkedIn
• WayUp
• Forage – FREE virtual job simulations from companies like JPMorgan, BCG, Accenture (you can list these on your resume!)
Look for keywords like:
• “Business Analyst Intern”
• “Finance Intern”
• “Operations Intern”
• “Data Intern”
• “Exploratory Program” or “Early Insight Program”
Apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. Your story, effort, and potential matter.
Build Experience While You Apply
If internships are competitive, build your own:
• Join a business or data club (or start one)
• Complete free projects from DataCamp, Kaggle, or Coursera
• Offer to help a local business with basic data entry, Excel work, or website help
• Volunteer with a nonprofit (you can often learn CRM tools, budget spreadsheets, or event planning)
These experiences count — you can frame them just like internships
Network Even Without Connections
Here’s how you can build a network from scratch:
A. LinkedIn Messages to Alumni
“Hi [Name], I’m a first-gen college junior at [Your School] interested in data/finance/business. I saw you work at [Company] — would you be open to sharing 10 minutes of advice on how you got started?”
B. Attend Events
• Join First Gen Support Groups, First-Gen Project, or school-hosted panels
• Many firms offer diversity-focused or first-gen internship programs (especially finance & tech)
Get Good at Interviews (Free Practice Tools)
Use:
• BigInterview (some colleges offer it free)
• Practice STAR method for behavioral questions:
o Situation
o Task
o Action
o Result
Tell Your Story Boldly
Being a first-gen student from a non-target school is not a weakness — it’s a strength if you position it well:
“As a first-generation student, I’ve developed strong problem-solving and adaptability skills. I’m excited to bring that mindset into a fast-paced business or data-driven environment.”
Use something like that in cover letters, intros, and interviews.
Additional Advice:
• Apply to 5–10 roles/week
• Track everything in a spreadsheet
• Follow up (politely) 7–10 days after applying
Pick 1-2 Focus Areas
You mentioned business, finance, CS, and data analysis. These areas are related but require slightly different skillsets and keywords on resumes.
Start with:
• Primary: e.g., Data Analysis or Finance
IMPORTANT: If it were me ...I would first explore the area of data science because that field is exploding especially with the growth of AI.
• Backup: e.g., Business Ops or CS Support Roles
• Don’t try to apply to everything at once. Specializing helps you target your resume, courses, and outreach.
Build a Targeted Resume (Even Without Experience)
What to include:
• Relevant coursework (e.g., Intro to Stats, Python, Accounting)
• Academic or personal projects (built a website? analyzed data in Excel or Python?)
• Club involvement (business club, coding club, investment society)
• Volunteer work or part-time jobs — emphasize transferable skills like communication, leadership, and analysis
Make it skills-based, not just experience-based. Let me know if you'd like a custom template.
Apply to Entry-Level or Exploratory Internships
Use these platforms:
• Handshake – best for college students
• WayUp
• Forage – FREE virtual job simulations from companies like JPMorgan, BCG, Accenture (you can list these on your resume!)
Look for keywords like:
• “Business Analyst Intern”
• “Finance Intern”
• “Operations Intern”
• “Data Intern”
• “Exploratory Program” or “Early Insight Program”
Apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. Your story, effort, and potential matter.
Build Experience While You Apply
If internships are competitive, build your own:
• Join a business or data club (or start one)
• Complete free projects from DataCamp, Kaggle, or Coursera
• Offer to help a local business with basic data entry, Excel work, or website help
• Volunteer with a nonprofit (you can often learn CRM tools, budget spreadsheets, or event planning)
These experiences count — you can frame them just like internships
Network Even Without Connections
Here’s how you can build a network from scratch:
A. LinkedIn Messages to Alumni
“Hi [Name], I’m a first-gen college junior at [Your School] interested in data/finance/business. I saw you work at [Company] — would you be open to sharing 10 minutes of advice on how you got started?”
B. Attend Events
• Join First Gen Support Groups, First-Gen Project, or school-hosted panels
• Many firms offer diversity-focused or first-gen internship programs (especially finance & tech)
Get Good at Interviews (Free Practice Tools)
Use:
• BigInterview (some colleges offer it free)
• Practice STAR method for behavioral questions:
o Situation
o Task
o Action
o Result
Tell Your Story Boldly
Being a first-gen student from a non-target school is not a weakness — it’s a strength if you position it well:
“As a first-generation student, I’ve developed strong problem-solving and adaptability skills. I’m excited to bring that mindset into a fast-paced business or data-driven environment.”
Use something like that in cover letters, intros, and interviews.
Additional Advice:
• Apply to 5–10 roles/week
• Track everything in a spreadsheet
• Follow up (politely) 7–10 days after applying
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Michael
Updated
Debra’s Answer
Best advice I can give is start early. My firm for example interviews up to a year before the following summer interns come in and ends they end in the fall.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi! The summer before senior year is very important as many companies hire summer analysts and finance positions for a period of time (10-12 weeks). I recommend students to be open to any position that can get you into the door of finance. These positions can be for big corporations, schools, smaller companies, and even non profits. It is important to have this professional experience in any sort of way to get you kickstarted for senior year. Numbers play a big role in applications, the more you apply to, the higher chance of hearing back and scheduling interviews.
Updated
Terietta’s Answer
Your school likely has a career planning website, so try making an appointment there. They might offer help with resumes, host career fairs, or connect you with alumni. If you have a company in mind, see if they have an internship program. You can apply during the summer of your junior or senior year.